Danni Thexton and the 16-year-old roan gelding Cushag Ffinlo (Chuckie) claimed the overall 7one7 Engineering Ltd SSADL championship sash at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), adding the supreme title to victory in the 7one7 Engineering Ltd SSADL in-hand final.

“I bought him as a three-year-old and showed him under saddle,” said Danni. “We sold him to a friend for their daughter, but when they couldn‘t bear to part with him they asked if we’d have him back.”

Chuckie‘s life has taken a very different direction since returning home. Rather than spending his days in the show ring, he now works as a much-loved riding school pony at Danni’s yard in Kendal, Cumbria, introducing young riders to horses.

“He now teaches lots of little people the ropes in our riding school,” said Danni. “He absolutely loves showing and it means so much that we can still give him the chance to come out and shine away from the riding school.”

The pair returned to Hickstead in outstanding form after winning the in-hand title and standing reserve supreme here in 2025, going one better this term to secure the overall championship.

“This year we’ve gone one better than last,” she said. “I honestly couldn't be prouder of him.”

Reserve supreme honours went to Shemika Snip, the 26-year-old skewbald owned and exhibited by Kelsey Bishop, after finishing runner-up in the SSADL in-hand championship.

Isabella Stagg and her 18-year-old “Holly” won the ridden final. Isabella has owned the eventer from a five-year-old, so their partnership spans 13 years.

They're due to go to the British Riding Clubs horse trials championships at 80cm next week, but they‘ve also been to Badminton grassroots four times and they were champion working show horse at the London International Horse Show in 2024.

“That was just a dream come true,“ said Isabella reflecting on her London win. “I really didn’t think she’d then have another championship win in her!”

Isabella says she’s had health problems this year that have made riding difficult.

“I haven’t been able to ride her as much as I’d like. But even when I’ve felt that I couldn’t get out of bed, the thought of getting up to see Holly helps me get up in the morning. She’s more than just a horse, she’s my best friend.”

Having only started showing when the For Compliment daughter turned 15, Isabella intends to keep going with Holly, adding that the born performer “loves a crowd, loves applause and lights up when she hears a microphone”.

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news throughout the Agria Royal International Horse Show, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Is your veteran destined for glory? I’ve collated your need-to-know information for the 2026 HOYS veteran qualifiers because finding qualifier details and keep on top of planning your season leading up to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) is no mean feat.

While the HOYS qualifier shows have been announced for 2026, many of the hosts have not revealed their judges yet, so I’m frequently updating this page with all the new details as they are released.

2026 HOYS veteran qualifiers

Veteran Horse Society Ridden Veteran Horse of the Year

If you are viewing this table on a mobile, swipe left for more info

• For all your need-to-know information for other 2026 HOYS qualifiers, plus more expert showing advice from top riders and updates on shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A showjumping legend who was still winning in the ring aged 32 has found her new niche, making a tiny rider’s dreams come true.

Grade A Karmijn, who with Suzanne Posnett triumphed at shows across Ireland, England and on the Continent, retired from showjumping in November 2024. Now aged 34, “Minnie” is passing her vast experience on to Suzanne’s daughter Ella.

“Minnie’s been part of the family for 21 years and it’s so nice to see,” Suzanne’s mother Pam told H&H. “She’s a lovely, lovely mare.”

The Posnetts bought Minnie at 13 and she and Suzanne went from strength to strength, winning more than 1,500 Showjumping Ireland points together.

“She’s just been one of those wee speed mares that everyone knew,” Pam said. “If she was in the class, they didn’t have much chance of winning!

“She always went in and did her best – she was very speedy – then the year before last, Suzanne decided it was just getting a bit much for her; Minnie didn’t like it if she didn’t win! People had kept saying ‘When are you going to retire her?’ but then they’d see her jump and say ‘No, she doesn’t want to retire’. She wasn’t ready, until the day we decided.

“Blue Grass Horse Feed, her sponsors, gave her a very fitting retirement ceremony at Portmore Equestrian Centre, and her reins were handed over to a very happy three-year-old Ella.”

Pam said Minnie is kept in the luxury she deserves, now with the added ministrations of her tiny jockey.

“She looks after Ella like a dream; she’s absolutely fantastic with her,” she said. “They went out schooling on Saturday and Minnie and Ella gave Suzanne a lead on a four-year-old, trotting around the arena.

“It’s lovely for Minnie to have another job, which she enjoys, and Ella spends hours grooming her and picking out her feet, doing her tail – it’s worked out beautifully and we’re still talking about her future, not just her past, which is lovely.”

Pam said Karmijn had never had any joints medicated; Cortaflex was “the only thing she was ever on” to support soundness.

“She’s just a brilliant mare, a lovely person,” she said. “She looks forward to her evening hacks up the lane and in the field, and it keeps her going. And Ella adores her and thinks she’s the greatest thing ever.

“She’s got a pony as well but she’s learning so much with Minnie that she can transfer to the pony, as Minnie doesn’t do anything silly, which the pony can! Once she lost her stirrup and Minnie waited for her to get it back, and off they went. It’s lovely to watch.”

Karmijn and Ella have even been showjumping together, taking on a cross-pole class at Christmas, but Pam said they will stick to flatwork now as Minnie is not used to trotting over small fences.

“But it’s lovely she has a job – and she knows how much she’s appreciated,” she said. “Long may she continue.”

• 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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A much-loved gelding who was almost put down on health grounds has claimed the 2026 Royal Windsor senior ridden championship.

The Richardson family’s Shetland Briar Snowman has been a prolific competitor under saddle. Two years ago, they feared they would lose him to a bout of laminitis.

But ridden by 10-year-old Penny Richardson, and now aged 20, the grey gelding is back on form.

Penny’s mother Lucy said: “He was very poorly a couple of years ago. He had really bad laminitis.

“We thought we were going to have to have him put down. We’ve nursed him along and now he’s back in the ring.”

The family have owned Snowman for nine years, and he competed at the highest levels predominantly with Penny’s sister Lily.

Lucy says they are pleased to have the senior classes to try in his later years, adding: “Penny didn’t get to ride him as much as Lily, so it’s wonderful.”

Penny said: “This is his favourite show. He likes hacking, and he likes going to the sweet shop and getting polos. He’s one of my favourite ponies to ride.”

It was a Shetland one-two in the 2026 Royal Windsor senior ridden championship.

In reserve was Queenie Follows aboard 28-year-old Clothie Nightcap. They were led to victory by Queenie’s father Stebe Follows in the senior-plus class for ponies aged 24 and over.

When he’s not showing, Nightcap has an interesting role. He has been owned by the Royal Regiment of Scotland for the past seven years, and is their official mascot’s companion.

His breeder Elinor Bosanquet of the Clothie Pony Stud, who shows him on behalf of his owners, said: “He’s taught loads of kids to ride and drive. He still drives and rides today.

“He loves people and he goes round various shows with their mascot, meeting and greeting.”

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

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A previously successful working hunter pony claimed the Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL) 2026 Royal Windsor senior in-hand championship and booked his ticket to Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Pippa Kirby and 25-year-old Pied Piper first won the senior plus class for horses and ponies aged 24 and over. They then pipped three-time champion Gabriella Cox and Wolfgang Golden Symphony to take the sash.

Piper was bought by the Kirbys as an 18-year-old for the working hunter classes for her daughters Indiana and Isabella.

“We retired him from Horse of the Year Show when he was 22, when he was placed with my eldest daughter,” said Pippa.

“My youngest daughter took over at a slightly lower level, but he actually went and won the Burghley sports pony final – which was fabulous – as a 23-year-old.”

Although he is a quarter of a century old, Piper still enjoys popping fences. “My youngest isn’t really into jumping, but we have to take him because he just lives to jump,” Pippa said.

“He’s a legend. We only take him out because he loves it so much.”

Despite his previous successful career, this is the grey gelding’s first time in The King’s garden.

“It’s his first ever visit to Windsor and the first in-hand class he’s ever done,” Pippa explained.

At home, Pippa said, Piper is “king of the yard”. She puts his condition and soundness at 25 down to feeding TopSpec and the skills of her farrier Toby Pedley.

Last year’s champion, 22-year-old Wolfgang Golden Symphony (Dante), stood in reserve for the 2026 Royal Windsor senior in-hand title led by his owner Gabriella Cox. The Dutch warmblood won the senior class for horses and ponies aged 20 to 23.

Gabriella, a firefighter, has owned him since he was four, and has competed in Pony Club, dressage, and the Interforces Equestrian Games with him.

She said: “This is his favourite show.

“You cannot practise at home; he loves to rear as much as possible, but the second he comes here, he knows his job.”

The winner of the pre-senior class for 15 to 19-year-olds was Abigail Lane and 18-year-old Blackbourn Roger.

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

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An American quarter horse who still enjoys her daily walks – and weekly “spa days” – has taken the Guinness World Records title as the world’s oldest living horse.

Fancy, whose 38th birthday is on 1 April this year, claimed the title aged 37 years and 329 days, this month. She lives in Virginia, US, with her owner Paige and her best friend Rosie, a donkey.

The mare, then called Josey Wales, arrived at the yard at which Paige rode as a child, and Paige said she “felt an immediate connection”. She begged her parents to buy her, and her wish was granted in June 2000, when Paige was eight and the mare 12.

“It was one of the best moments of my life,” said Paige, who renamed the mare as “she was way too fancy to have such an ugly name”.

Fancy, officially known as Tracies Lil Kleberg, and Paige have the same birthday and always celebrate it together at the yard.

“As Fancy entered her golden years, her vets recommended finding a small friend to support her,” a Guinness World Records spokesperson said.

“After researching, Paige and her daughter visited a rescue where they fell in love with Rosie, who was quite sick. They adopted her, brought her home and nursed her back to health so she could meet Fancy. Paige now describes the best friends as ‘two peas in a pod’ who spend their days soaking in the sun together.

“Paige visits them daily to take them on ‘granny walks’ and in the summer, they have ‘spa days’ once a week. As Fancy has got older, she has lost vision, so Rosie has become her ‘seeing eye donkey’.”

Paige said there is no “secret sauce” to Fancy’s longevity and that the world’s oldest living horse has had some health issues.

But “Fancy never gives up and is such a strong-willed horse [so] in return, I will not give up on her,” she said, adding that her approach to having any animal is “treat them the way you wish to be treated, especially in old age”.

“I think so many owners only value a horse who can be ridden, but they are so much more than that,” she said.

“I am so lucky to have such a spirited horse and sassy donkey to share memories with daily. They have taught me and my young daughter so much empathy, patience, perseverance and grace.”

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

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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

Helpful information for owners considering an end-of-life plan for an elderly horse who’ll leave behind a close companion, including whether it’s appropriate to let them both go together rather than leaving one to grieve for the other

It’s a joy to behold an equine partnership grow to an advanced age. However, when end-of-life considerations come into the picture, owners face contemplating the wellbeing of not just one, but two horses. In such cases, an owner might consider putting down two horses together.

Dr Imogen Burrows MRCVS, president of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), says euthanasia is always a painful decision for a horse owner, no matter the circumstances. “The moral stress on owners is huge, because it’s the choice to take away the life of someone you love,” she says.

Dr Burrows reminds owners that equine euthanasia and welfare compromise are separate issues.

“Performing euthanasia is not a welfare issue, but delayed euthanasia creates a significant impact on welfare,” she continues.

“In some situations, such as the acute issue of a fractured leg, or an owner’s wish to avoid surgery in a colic case, the decision to euthanise is reached more swiftly. With chronic illness, such as arthritis or laminitis, the path might not be so clear-cut.

“The same is true when the time comes to euthanise one of an elderly bonded pair of horses.”

We asked Dr Burrows to share her advice for owners facing this very difficult situation.

Jump to:

• The trouble with old adages – how to determine if your horse has a good life
• Assessing physical and psychological health
• Making the decision to euthanise, and what to do next
• How to manage a horse who loses his companion

The trouble with old adages and defining a good life

Dr Burrows agrees euthanasia is best enacted “a day too early than a minute too late”.

“A veterinary surgeon never wants euthanasia to be forced on owners because we missed the opportunity to intervene sooner,” she says.

However, she worries that some old adages might compromise welfare if adhered to too closely.

“Every owner wants their horse to experience a good life,” she continues. “Many talk about putting a horse to sleep at the point he has more bad days than good. But we need to look closer at what we are actually saying.”

“When there are more bad days than good…”

Dr Burrows uses a graph analogy to explain the pitfalls of this commonly used phrase.

“Imagine the graph has a straight line parallel to the X axis halfway up the Y axis. This depicts the halfway point between positive and negative experiences and represents what we call a ‘neutral life’.

“In any life, you’re never going to have all positives and no negatives. But you’d expect a ‘good line’ to wave up and down over this neutral straight line, overall spending significantly more time above the neutral line than below. Furthermore, any time spent below the negative line ideally stays closer to the neutral zone than its corresponding positive reflection.

“A curving line that’s 50/50 is really a neutral life, neither good nor bad, which overall reflects neither a good nor bad lived experience. Once we get to the point where there are more bad days than good – the cut-off point that the adage suggests – we have really entered a life not worth living, which is absolutely not what any owner wants.”

Dr Burrows advocates a more acute awareness of a horse’s life experience.

“When we consider our elderly horses, we need to pinpoint when a good life descends into a life worth living, which is still a positive place to be. However, we don’t want that to transform into a neutral life or, God forbid, a life that is no longer worth living.”

The full picture of health: physical and psychological

According to Dr Burrows, key physical factors that influence the decision to euthanise include a lack of effective pain control or exhaustion of treatment options, whether due to the severity of illness, financial constraints, ethical or other personal reasons.

“However, psychological suffering is also significant, real and evidence-based,” she adds.

“If you have a horse who is fundamentally physically healthy, but kept socially isolated in a stable without the freedom to express natural behaviours, their negative experience and subsequent suffering is as significant as that of a horse with freedom, forage and friends that is living in severe, unrelenting pain.

“I would be reluctant to pick one suffering over another and say: ‘that’s worse’.”

Dr Burrows says the significance of psychological welfare opens up the conversation about putting down two elderly horses together. She adds that it’s especially complex when one horse is medically healthy, while the other is not.

“The question becomes: would they cope psychologically, and would their welfare be compromised, even though their physical health is sufficient to maintain life?”

Understanding your horse’s lived experience

So, how can we successfully monitor an advancing horse’s life experience? Dr Burrows says the owner is best placed to understand their individual horse. She adds that far more vets now ask owners to tell them about their horse’s personality.

“We ask about positive welfare indicators. What do they do when they’re happy? How do they behave?

“When these behaviours start to change, we must ask if the horse is experiencing a degree of welfare compromise and start discussing their quality of life.”

Dr Burrows says recognising horses as individuals empowers owners to truly observe their animals.

“In the latter stages, this can be something we avoid almost subconsciously,” she adds. “Because, at the heart of it, we know the animal isn’t as healthy or happy as before, or the pain control isn’t as effective as it once was.”

Putting down two horses: making the decision and what to do next

Dr Burrows reminds owners that some vets may have a moral or ethical objection to putting down two horses together if one is elderly, but medically healthy.

“To ensure the owner is supported appropriately, they might recommend another colleague steps in to manage the case,” she explains.

She adds that equine charities provide great assistance in facilitating difficult conversations with owners regarding euthanasia, and can be a helpful ear to turn to for vets and owners alike.

Dr Burrows says: “Owners who reach the incredibly difficult decision to euthanise a pair of equine companions can face challenges from the very places and people from whom they really need the most support.”

She finds the double euthanasia process goes best when owners have people to assist with logistical and emotional support.

“Having two people who can help hold each horse at the same time is essential. Both horses are sedated and prepared for euthanasia before being put to sleep in turn. Some owners may prefer that the horses be put to sleep simultaneously, requiring two vets; others rather one after the other so they can be there for both.

“There is no right way, just the right way for the owner and horses at the time.

“Critically, open, honest, and non-judgmental discussion about the euthanasia process between the vet and owner before the time is essential.”

How to manage a horse who loses his companion

If putting down two horses together isn’t appropriate for your circumstances, there are actions you can take prior to the event to help the surviving horse acclimatise.

“It can be thought of a bit like the weaning process,” Dr Burrows explains. “You could start by feeding them in different places. Then, try turning out in adjacent paddocks for short stretches and separating the partnership gently for periods of time.

“Gradually adding a suitable third animal can help the horse who’ll be left behind buddy up and feel supported.

“Critically, you don’t want them to have to feel that they are alone.”

Dr Burrows says the time taken for the surviving horse to process the loss of his companion may vary. However, the emotional response is typically very consistent between horses.

If the horse to be euthanised is strongly pair-bonded with another, it usually benefits the buddy to see the deceased horse.

“Most will come over and sniff the animal and soon resume grazing. This usually indicates they’re ready to leave and grieve separately. However, prepare for them to call and show distress.

“In specific cases, such as mares and foal, donkeys, or highly pair-bonded animals, they may benefit from remaining with the body for several hours, even overnight. It is usually best to remove the live animal from the area, then collect the deceased.”

You know them best

If you find yourself facing the decision to put one or two companion horses down, assess whether their lived experience is good or neutral, considering both their physical and psychological health equally to help inform your decision.

“As their owner, you understand their personalities. With honest observation, you will be best placed to see early changes to their quality of life, keeping their life the good one they deserve,” says Dr Burrows.

You do not have to make difficult choices about your horse’s care alone. There is advice and support available to help you decide the right steps for you and your horse.

• BHS Friends At The End – 02476 840517
• Blue Cross care team – 0300 790 9903
• World Horse Welfare advice line – 01953 497238

For unlimited access to expert advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Feed balancers for horses have risen in popularity over the years – and for good reason. The best feed balancers are more than a vitamin and mineral supplement, and when fed at the correct amount a balancer will provide your horse with all the nutrients he needs.

The best feed balancers allow you to get all the essential nutrients into your horse, in a low-volume and low-energy way, which is particularly helpful if you’re watching your horse’s waistline or you’re actively trying to help your horse lose weight.

Of course, nutritional requirements change with age and workload, so like other feed products not all feed balancers are created with the same goal in mind. Balancers can usually be divided into one of the following groups…

• light balancers – formulated to provide all the nutrients they are likely to be missing from the restricted diets of good-doers and horses in light work
• performance balancers – designed to support competition horses and those working hard
• senior balancers – formulated to support digestion, comfort and movement in older horses
• stud balancers – aimed at stallions, pregnant or lactating mares and youngstock with higher protein requirements

We’ve rounded up a selection of some of the best feed balancers for horses to help you find the right feed for your horse…

• light balancers
• performance balancers
• senior balancers
• stud balancers

NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available bag/tub. Some products require you to feed more in certain situations, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger bag/tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.

Light balancers: what’s on the market?

Performance balancers: what’s on the market?

Aimed at good-doers in work, this low-calorie balancer provides all the nutrients you’d find in a competition mix or cube, but without the associated calories, making it ideal for horses who are stressy or excitable but require nutrients for health and performance.

Low levels of starch and sugar also make it suitable for horses prone to gastric ulcers. It can be fed as the sole concentrate, alongside any type of forage, or added to reduced quantities of other hard feeds, to ensure a fully balanced diet.

This balancer contains turmeric, black pepper, oils and glucosamine to promote healthy joint function and movement. It contains carefully formulated levels of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients alongside complete hoof, respiratory and digestive supplements. Can be fed dry, damp or soaked.

This balancer is a low-calorie source of vitamins and minerals with additional digestive, hoof, recovery, immune, and protein support. It is ideal for topping-up natural vitamin levels in forage and is described as suitable for all horses.

This concentrated formula is described as suitable for all – from the family pony to performance horse. It contains key ingredients to optimise gut function, combined with optimum nutritional supplement specification that balances a high-fibre, low-concentrate, or performance diet.

This highly nutritious, low-intake balancer comes in the form of a mix. This allows it to provide a higher level of fibre and oil, which support stamina, and the inclusion of micronised maize helps to provide a higher energy level when compared to traditional pellet balancers.

This balancer provides digestive and immunity support in addition to everyday vitamins and minerals. It is rich in amino acids to support muscle development and topline, high in antioxidants and contains pre- and probiotics.

Designed for good-doers in medium to hard work that do not need extra topline or muscle development, this balancer provides everything your horse needs in a small amount of non-heating low-calorie feed.

It contains a multi-supplement that is described as including the levels of micronutrients normally only found in high quality specialised supplements.

Senior balancers: what’s on the market?

Formulated for horses over the age of 14, this balancer contains the correct levels of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the diet, along with additional supplements to ease the ageing process. It includes digestive, hoof, coat, skin, respiratory and joint supplements. Can be fed dry, damp or soaked.

Providing comprehensive nutritional care for older horses, this balancer comes in the form of a cereal-free mash, which allows it to be ingested easily, even when dentition is poor.

It is low in sugar and starch and contains omega-3 to support joint mobility and muscle suppleness.

This balancer supports digestion, comfort and movement in older horses. It is high in antioxidants to support immune health and has probiotics and prebiotics to support digestive health. It also contains high levels of glucosamine, MSM and omega-3 to support joint health.

Designed for elderly horses that are prone to weight gain, this balancer combines the benefits of a low-calorie feed balancer and a joint supplement

in a cost-effective way.

It’s formulated without cereal grains and provides only low levels of sugar and starch, which helps to maintain healthy hindgut function and avoid loose droppings.

Stud balancers: what’s on the market?

NB: We have not calculated a cost per day for the stud balancers below as feeding rates vary greatly with stage of pregnancy for mares as well as age for youngstock.

This balancer provides optimum nutrition for all breeding stock. It can be introduced from 3 months of age and, being low calorie, it is ideal for good-doers, supporting even growth rates without encouraging weight gain.

Its quality protein and elevated levels of vitamins and minerals, including chelated minerals for improved bioavailability, support foetal development as well as helping ensure the mare is receiving the nutrients she needs to produce good quality milk.

Formulated for performance horses and growing young stock, this balancer supports consistent, steady growth rates for youngstock.

It contains elevated levels of vitamins and minerals, and includes nucleotides for quality cell replication, pre- and probiotics, plus essential omega-3 and -6 oils.

This nutrient-rich balancer, specifically formulated for broodmares, stallions, and youngstock, contains a long-lasting gastric acid buffer and prebiotics to support gastric and hindgut function.

It has been formulated to help promote bone strength and correct limb development by providing quality protein, vitamins A, D and K, plus essential micronutrients such as elements calcium and phosphorus.

This balancer is a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals, packed with additional support supplements for stallions, mares, foals and youngstock. It is low in starch and includes key amino acids, hoof support and vitamin E, which helps support fertility and milk quality.

It also contains MOS and FOS prebiotics and ActiSaf yeast – a probiotic which supports a healthy hindgut environment of fibre fermentation and nutrient uptake.

This scientifically formulated, pre-digested feed balancer supports and balances a pasture-based diet for equine stud animals. The highly palatable nuggets, which are large enough to be eaten off the floor, contain amino acids that support quality lean muscle and skeletal growth and development.

DHA, a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, is included to support semen motility, mare postpartum recovery, foal feeding behaviours and development.

This balancer, designed to support breeding and youngstock, is whole cereal free, low in starch and sugar, which makes it suitable for fast-growing foals and horses with more excitable temperaments. It can be fed alongside a forage only diet or alongside the existing ration to support nutrient intake.

All types of breeding stock will benefit from the elevated inclusion of antioxidants, including vitamin E, which supports immune function, colostrum quality and can help to support optimal muscle function.

Designed for youngsters who hold their condition well and to complement a forage-based diet, this balancer is a low-calorie nutrient-rich growth formula for safe and even development. It’s suitable for foals, youngstock and pregnant or lactating mares.

TopSpec Stud Lite Feed Balancer provides most of the benefits of TopSpec Stud Feed Balancer, including a multi-supplement combined with a feed, but on a low-calorie, low-protein base, making it ideal for youngstock and broodmares that are good-doers.

What is the best balancer for horses?

The best balancer for your horse depends on why you’re feeding it and your horse’s individual needs – different balancers serve different purposes.

Balancers often provide a wide range of nutrients, if your horse has a particular issue or demand on his lifestyle, a specific supplement – such as one of the best joint supplements for horses – may provide him a greater benefit. It’s also important to note that, in most cases, you need to feed an electrolyte in addition to the balancer if your horse requires one.

When choosing a balancer, check whether it suits your horse’s workload and dietary needs. Always introduce feeds gradually and follow recommended feeding rates. Most feed companies offer free nutritional advice, so if you’re unsure which is the best feed balancer or other product is right for your horse give them a call to discuss. You can also read through some advice they gave H&H on how to choose a feed balancer for your horse.

Can you feed a balancer on its own?

Balancers often come in a pellet form, making them suitable to be fed on their own – and this is one way balancers differ from supplements. Adding chaff to the bucket feed, however, is a great way of extending your horse’s eating time.

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A new championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2026 will “pay tribute to the wisdom, grace, and enduring beauty of the veteran horse”.

HOYS organiser Grandstand said it is “thrilled” to announce the new class for next year, the Veteran Horse Society (VHS) ridden veteran of the year championship.

“This exciting addition will celebrate the remarkable partnership between riders and their much-loved older equines, offering competitors the chance to showcase their veterans in front of a world-class audience,” the spokesperson said.

“The new championship will shine a spotlight on the longevity, versatility, and enduring spirit of horses aged 15 and over.”

The class will be sponsored by the society, which was founded over 20 years ago to celebrate and support older horses and ponies. It will be run under VHS rules, so open to amateurs only

Its founder Julianne Aston said: “The Veteran Horse Society is delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to open the famous HOYS curtains to the world of the older equine. It’s a privilege to host the very first veteran championship at this prestigious event.

“We believe spectators and competitors alike will be inspired by the quality, condition and presence of these incredible animals who have earned their place in the ‘arena of dreams.’”

There will be 10 qualifiers held across the country next year, at which tickets will be available for the Andrews Bowen International Arena next October.

“The introduction of the ridden veteran horse of the year championship reinforces HOYS’ commitment to celebrating every stage of the equine journey – from rising stars to lifelong companions,” the Grandstand spokesperson said. “This new class is sure to become a crowd favourite, paying tribute to the wisdom, grace, and enduring beauty of the veteran horse.”

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

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It’s stressful having an underweight horse, and you’ll be looking for the best horse feeds for weight gain as we head into winter. Many horse owners are also finding their horses haven’t gained their usual summer weight this year, so you’re not alone. Whether your horse is a poor doer, fussy eater or has been affected by the lack of grazing, now is the time to review your horse’s feed.

I’ve spoken to feed companies who have recommended products from their range that would be suitable for a horse who needs to gain weight and condition. If you’re struggling sourcing forage, and this is causing weight loss, consider one of the best hay replacers first to increase the fibre in your horse’s diet.

Best horse feeds for weight gain

NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the feeding rate for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available bag/tub. Some products require you to feed more in certain situations, which will increase the cost per daily measure – these costs per day and feeding rates are a guide only.

How to feed a horse for weight gain

Owning an underweight horse will have you researching how to help a horse gain weight. Once you’ve identified that your horse is underweight – body condition scoring can be a useful tool to help with this – it’s important to identify the root cause. It could be a range of problems, such as inefficient digestion or dental issues – or you could simply be feeding the wrong feed or the wrong ration.

Horse feeds for weight gain will contain a range of components – some will be high fat, while others will contain extra proteins. To work out what your horse needs and what will suit him best, it’s worth contacting a range of feed manufacturers to see what they would suggest. Most offer a free nutritional helpline service and will take a full history of your horse in order to offer the best advice.

It’s also important to know that not all feeds – even horse feeds for weight gain – will provide your horse with everything he needs in his diet. Ones that do (assuming you feed them at the recommended rate) are called complete feeds. To be absolutely sure he’s receiving a complete and balanced diet, an additional feed balancer or vitamin supplement could be your answer, but it’s best to consult a nutritional helpline if you’re unsure.

Is haylage better than hay for weight gain?

To encourage weight gain in horses, forage (hay, haylage, and grass) should be provided ad-lib. Haylage is cut at an earlier, less mature stage, and undergoes a wilting process that preserves more nutrients, leading to a higher digestible energy content compared to hay. This elevated energy content makes haylage an effective way to help horses put on weight. When feeding haylage, it’s generally necessary to offer a greater quantity by weight than hay, due to its higher water content.

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A pony who “refuses to retire” has just been placed at his first British Eventing competition at nearly 30, after fate reunited him with his owner.

McCaulley and his loaner Daisy Wilkinson finished seventh in the BE80 at Forgandenny on 9 August, to the delight of Daisy, and the pony’s owner Laura Ferguson, who told H&H that “21 years on from when I first called him mine, he remains the greatest legend in my life”.

Laura first met 14.1hh McCaulley when she was a teenager having lessons at her local riding school.

“I took him on loan because he was in the health and safety books all the time and they had to remove him from the riding school,” she said. “He was prone to running away with children, and a star at running at a jump at 1,000mph, dropping his shoulder and putting you over the fence without him, then running in the opposite direction. I loved him!

“I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for a ‘naughty’ pony, and no matter how much he threw me off and made me look like a numpty at a show, I just loved him. He was one of those love at first sight ponies; I absolutely adored him, and when they took him out of the riding school, I was the only one stupid enough to keep riding him!”

When Laura was 15, she was given the opportunity to buy him, which she said was one of the best days of her life. But by the time she was 18, she had outgrown him, and unaware of loaning options, she sold him to a girl, who sold him on to someone further away.

But a few years later, he turned up again.

“One of my friends came up to the yard I was working at and said, ‘Have you got McCaully back?’” she said. “I said ‘What are you talking about?’ and she said he was in the field behind my work.

“So I contacted the girl who I sold them to, who put me in contact with the girl she sold them to, who was in the process of selling him; somebody was coming to pick him up tomorrow. I said ‘Please, can you cancel it and I’ll come and pick him up?’ She said yes, and I went with a trailer and moved him over the road, from one field to another.”

A friend lent Laura the £1,000 to buy him back, so he came home nearly 15 years ago.

“It was a bit of fate, for him to be in that field,” she said. “He was always my heart horse, and I was in the position where I was teaching at a yard where livery was offered as part of my package and I didn’t have a horse at the time. It was one of those moments of ‘I was never meant to sell him, so I need to go and get him’. Him being right there was just, to me, a massive sign of ‘This is your chance to get him back’, so there was no question.”

Laura said she had thought MacCaully might retire young, so she tried to but he was not at that stage, she said, so she loaned him out to a couple of people, the second of whom also tried retiring him.

“But I didn’t think he was ready for it so I brought him home and he’s been back three or four years,” she said. “Daisy started riding him four days a week; I said ‘He’s a bit older now, you might have to take a bit slower’ – and the two of them have just completely ignored me!

“They just gelled. A pony deserves to have a kid to love them and do all the fun stuff. She started taking him to the beach, then she took him to a county show and did a course of show jumps, and you could see, he got to the show and was ‘Everybody’s here to see me’, buzzing on the grass, ‘Let’s go’! And after that, I said until he tells us he’s ready to stop, keep doing it because he loves it.”

Laura said MacCaully’s passport puts him at 26 but that from her knowledge of his earlier years, he must be 28.

“He just has this zest for life about him,” she said. “Everything he does, he does it 110%, and he thinks every time he goes somewhere that everybody’s there to see him. As soon as he gets to a show and there’s a crowd and cameras, he just comes into his own and goes in there like he’s walking a catwalk. We’ve just got the pictures from Forgandenny, and every single picture, his ears are pricked forwards, he’s taking her. I could never get him to go over a cross-country jump when I was younger! But he’s definitely coming into his own as he gets older.

“He’s not a dressage pony, he’s definitely a jumping pony; Daisy was very nervous about the dressage, but by the time she finished the cross-country, she couldn’t have cared less, she was ecstatic.”

Laura wanted to share her story to show that older horses can thrive doing something they love.

“I think people can be quick to retire horses and absolutely, if your horse is ready to retire, but I think some people are a bit apprehensive to do stuff, or keep them fit and going. I think some ponies and horses thrive in their older years.

“I keep saying to Daisy, if you and him are having fun, keep going. I’ve tried to retire him twice, and both times, his health has deteriorated, I’ve put him back into work and he’s been like it never happened. I think it’s inspiring to see a pony of that age thriving – and doing a new job – in his late 20s and loving it, and giving people happiness.”

Laura added that McCaulley is “the pony who made me who I am”.

“He is my whole world; I couldn’t imagine life without him,” she said. “He gave me that inspiration to keep going. If I think ‘Maybe I should stop’, I look at him and think ‘No, if he can keep going, so can I’.

“He refuses to retire quietly, and why should he? He’s a reminder that age is just a number, and with the right care and a big heart, anything is possible.”

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

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A long-awaited sash brought joy to the Inskip family as Popalbee Temptation (Jerry) took the 2025 Royal International senior championship and was crowned New Horizon Plastics Co Ltd Senior Showing And Dressage Ltd (SSADL) supreme champions at the Agria-sponsored Hickstead fixture.

The 15-year-old home-bred show pony, out of Sycamore Temptation, who herself won the 128cm show pony final here, is owned by Pip Inskip and ridden by her daughter Bonnie.

Jerry is in his third season with Bonnie, who has also qualified him for both the London International (LIHS) and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Outside the show ring, their partnership continues to blossom through Pony Club and dressage, where Bonnie has recently started competing at novice level and completed her first Area Festival. Jerry is equally happy jumping and enjoying life at home.

Celebrating the family’s first major win at Hickstead, Pip said: “This is such a special place to compete. Between my sister and I, we’ve been coming here for over 30 years and never won a sash – so this means everything, especially with the whole family here to celebrate with us.”

2025 Royal International senior championship reserve heads north to Lake District

Reserve supreme went to the 15-year-old roan gelding Cushag Ffinlo (Chuckie) owned and exhibited by Dannii Thexton, who also took the New Horizon Plastics Co Ltd SSADL in-hand championship.

“I bought him as a three-year-old and did some showing under saddle,” said Dannii. “We then sold him to a friend for their daughter, but they couldn’t bear to part with him, so asked if we’d take him back. He now teaches lots of little people the ropes in our riding school in Kendal in the Lake District.”

Chuckie qualified for Hickstead at Hambleton, and his joy for the job shines through.

“He loves showing and always perks up as soon as we arrive. When he turned 15, we thought we’d give the senior classes a try – and here we are. He just loves to show off. His little ears go on and he’s ready to go.”

Runner-up in the ridden final was Caroline Rooke’s Wellbank Gabriel. The versatile former HOYS-winning section A was ridden by Caroline’s daughter, Elizabeth Rooke. Former winners Loren Gaskin and The Boss finished third.

Meanwhile Kestra French and her Exmoor pony Blackthorn Poteen were bridesmaids in the in-hand final.

SSADL showing history is made

Alicia Houlihan made SSADL showing history when she qualified two horses for the in-hand final.

Alicia purchased 16-year-old Pairc An Faoi Diamond (Monkey) – who finished third – last October.

“I was looking for a schoolmaster and he was looking for his forever home so it was perfect,” said Alicia.

Although this was maxi cob Monkey’s first visit to Hickstead as a senior, he enjoyed a fabulous career under saddle including second at HOYS.

Alicia’s other pony, Tina, 25 was unplaced but pleased her owners.

“She is known for putting a buck into her individual performance but she did a lovely show so we were very happy with her,” said Alicia, who has owned Tina for 11 years.

This is not the first time Alicia and Tia have set a record: “She was the first Haflinger to qualify for an international show.”

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

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Toby Johnstone made a triumphant return to Royal Windsor Horse Show to take the Senior Showing and Dressage League (SSADL) ridden championship with his treasured Dartmoor partner Pumphill Fandango (Roy), booking their ticket to the final at Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Toby, 14, and Fandango – now 17 – were double Mountain and Moorland (M&M) mini champions here in 2016 and 2017 and were reserve in 2018, led by his mother Zara Johnstone-Evans.

Fandango has competed in every section at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and RIHS; he won the open M&M final with Zara in the saddle in 2017 at RIHS and as a first ridden at HOYS in 2018, partnered by Maisie Chester.

“Roy has taken Toby through every stage from lead rein to first ridden, juniors and opens. This is our first year doing SSADL and to qualify on our first time out – especially here – is fantastic,” said Zara, who explained that the pony was rescued by the RSPCA prior to being owned by them.

Neave Chandler rode her Aunt Theresa Fryer’s 20-year-old What A Chance to head their class and stand section reserve. The piebald traditional gelding – affectionately known as Stinky – has been owned by Theresa since he was a foal; Neave, 16, has been riding him for the past 10 years.

“He will jump round a course of 1.20m or lead around a child. We couldn’t believe it when we won,” said Neave.

Laura Dixon Edmonds won the senior-plus ridden class with her own 24-year-old piebald cob gelding Willobee. Having had colic surgery two years ago, Willobee has made a remarkable comeback to the ring.

“I felt like my world was about to end, but with the expertise and support of our vet [Carsten Skov] and Darren Hegarty, our yard manager and trainer, Willobee is back on form,” said Laura, who juggles working as an accountant with two young children.

• To stay up to date with all the news from Royal Windsor, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website – and check out our live news service for updates across the showing rings

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

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Firefighter Gabriella Cox secured a third title at Royal Windsor Horse Show with her 21-year-old palomino Dutch Warmblood Wolfgang Golden Symphony (Dante) in the Senior Showing and Dressage League (SSADL) in-hand championship, earning their pass to Hickstead.

Having won the ridden championship in 2022 and the in-hand championship here in 2023, Gabriella was forced to sit out last season after it was discovered Dante had a severe heart murmur.

“I was absolutely devastated when he was diagnosed, but with the help of an amazing cardiologist vet at Kent Equine Hospital, I was taught how to measure his heart – which I do on a weekly basis – to ensure that he stays fit and healthy,” said Gabriella, who was on the British Young Rider Dressage Squad (BYRDS) with Dante and regularly competed in the inter-forces dressage and showjumping competitions with him.

“The vets assured me that it would be more detrimental to retire him because keeping him in light work helps him stay fit and keeps his heart happy so showing is the only thing we do now,” added a delighted Gabriella.

Standing reserve in-hand was the 18-year-old New Forest gelding Newcopse Tigger, owned and bred by Ben and Liz Mansbridge. A Horse of the Year Show finalist on three occasions – with their best result being third in 2019 – Tigger also has 191 British Dressage points to his name and has competed up to elementary.

“Tigger is a true all-rounder – he helps round up our stock on the New Forest too,” said Liz.

The winner of the senior-plus class went to the splendid 27-year-old Yarningdale Magnum, owned by Sarah Warmington.

“I purchased him when my son Alex was just four months old and now 25, he has come here to support me today,” said Sarah, who was competing at Royal Windsor for the fourth time.

“He is my absolute rock and has seen me through so much,” admitted Sarah.

• To stay up to date with all the news from Royal Windsor, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website – and check out our live news service for updates across the showing rings

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The best joint supplements for older horses provide additional nutritional support for normal and healthy joint function to help keep them in good working order, comfortable and moving at their best, enabling your horse to live a full and active life. Throughout your horse’s life, his musculoskeletal system and joints will be put to the test – and there’s a lot for your horse’s joints to contend with throughout the year.

In the winter, the increased likelihood of restricted turnout means they’re likely to be moving less and when this is combined with colder temperatures, stiffness is a common result. If the ground’s not hard then it’s wet, which can lead to more roadwork and increased concussive forces on the joint, too. Whereas in the summer hard ground is also unavoidable if you’re not confined to a school. Even if your horse is retired and able to live out full time, his joints – and the rest of his body – will require more support to maintain a good condition.

Best joint supplements for older horses: what are your options?

Here is a selection of the best joint supplements for older horses that are currently available, including the manufacturers’ descriptions of their products…

NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available tub. Some products require you to feed more with a higher workload, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.

NAF Five Star Superflex Senior

Form: Powder

Sizes: 660g, 1.98kg

RRP: £37.99 for 660g

Daily measure: 22g

Cost per day: £1.27

Five Star Superflex Senior is a unique formulation providing a high specification of key joint support nutrients as well as omega-3 fatty acids and naturally sourced antioxidants to support healthy, flexible joints in older horses that are still leading active lives.

YuMove Joint Care Plus

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1.8kg

RRP: £156.40

Daily measure: 40g

Cost per day: £3.47

This has 25% more MSM and glucosamine and 50% more green lipped mussel compared to the standard YuMove Horse formula, so it can offer extra joint support for stiffer, more senior horses.

BettaLife PharmaQuin Joint Complete HA Equine

Form: Powder

Sizes: 400g, 1kg, 2kg, 5kg

RRP: £42.50 for 400g

Daily measure: 30g

Cost per day: £3.19

Formulated from the highest grade active ingredients with no fillers or bulking agents, containing glucosamine HCI, MSM and chondroitin in a 10:10:4 ratio.

Equinutritive Alpha Gold

Form: Liquid

Sizes: 1l, 2.5l, 5l

RRP: £32.99 for 1l

Daily measure: 30ml

Cost per day: £0.99

A 100% natural, turmeric based joint supplement to support hard-working, compromised or ageing joint. Contains turmeric, coconut oil, aloe vera and linseed oil.

Nutriscience Arthri Aid HA Powder

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1.2kg, 3kg

RRP: £45.92 for 1.2kg

Daily measure: 15g

Cost per day: £0.57

This apple-flavoured powder includes glucosamine, MSM complex and hyaluronic acid for improved joint mobility. It’s a super-strength alternative to the regular Arthri Aid.

Equine America Buteless Super Strength

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1.5kg, 5.5kg

RRP: £65.50 for 1.5kg

Daily measure: 50g

Cost per day: £2.19

Described as the ultimate nutritional support for joints and muscles in older horses with significant wear and tear or needing help to maintain mobility. It includes powerful levels of natural plant-based ingredients including boswellia, yucca and turmeric, as well as MSM to help the horses’ own anti- inflammatory processes. It’s a low-sugar formulation, which makes it suitable for those prone to laminitis.

Cavalor ArtiTec

Form: Liquid

Sizes: 2l, 5l

RRP: £179 for 1l

Daily measure: 60–90ml

Cost per day: £5.37–8.05

Designed to provide horses what they need during periods of intense work and is the result of seven years of scientific research into nutritional supplements for healthy tendons and joints in top-class sport horses.

Aviform Suppleaze VS

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1kg, 2kg, 4kg

RRP: £84.95 for 1kg

Daily measure: 64g

Cost per day: £5.44

This is a combination of Aviform’s Suppleaze Gold and Suppleaze Progen for horses that require the highest specification of supplement. It contains full clinical levels of glucosamine HCL, chondroitin, MSM, HA, bioactive collagen peptides, curcumin, boswellia and vitamin C. Available in a 100% compostable pouch. BETA NOPS compliant.

How to choose the best joint supplement for older horses

Joint supplements that are formulated specifically for older horses will tend to have the highest specification in a manufacturer’s joint supplement range – higher than most in our guide to the best joint supplements for general use.

Joint supplements are available in liquid, powder, and pellet forms, and it’s important to choose a form that your horse will readily consume. Cost is another consideration, and it’s often more economical to purchase larger quantities. We’ve calculated the daily cost of all the supplements featured in this guide using the smallest tubs available to help you compare them easily.

The most common ingredients found in joint supplements typically include glucosamine, MSM (methyl sulphonyl methane), and HA (hyaluronic acid), which support cartilage, suggested anti-inflammatory properties, and aid lubrication.

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

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

The human element of a horse and rider combination still hopping hedges in style with a combined age of 90, having twice been faced with potentially career-ending injury, has shared her story to show what is possible.

Sue Payne, who turns 65 this year, and Louis who turns 25, are regulars with the Coakham Bloodhounds, 12 years after he was “written off” for eventing, and eight years after Sue was told he was unlikely to jump again.

The pair have been together 20 years; Sue told H&H 2025 is a year of “multiple milestones” for them. Sue bought Louis as a five-year-old to event and as an all-rounder. He was “really quite wild when he was young”, she said, opinionated and sharp, but he evented from 2007 until 2013, until Sue noticed some issues.

“I’d go to an event and he might go clear showjumping, then I’d have to pull out of the cross-country; the ground wasn’t suiting him,” she said. “Then he’d go lame in front. We had all the scans and never got a conclusive diagnosis.”

Realising that Louis thrived on soft ground, Sue and her farrier shod him slightly differently, and he was in pads for a while.

“We almost went back to basics and now he’s absolutely fine,” she said. “I’ve got a great farrier, and realised that he’s just not a horse for hard ground so instead of pushing it, once he was sound, I switched to hunting, and I don’t even test it any more; as soon as the ground gets hard, he doesn’t do much, then I pick him back up again.”

Sue said she and Louis enjoyed their hedge-hopping, until he injured a hind tendon eight years ago.

“He was 17 so I thought he’d never come back,” she said. “I was told to forget about jumping again, and he didn’t owe me anything.

“Then, after a while, it became clear that he was being a bit thuggy again, and charging around the field. His scans were fine, everything had healed. My vet, Karen Coumbe, said ‘I think he’ll be all right’.”

Sue did another long year of hacking and slow rehab until, aged 20, Louis was back to full strength.

“The lesson for me is that a scan can show something has healed after a year but it probably needs another year to get to full strength, and you have to feel your way according to each horse,” she said. “But at nearly 20, he was able to do it all again, which was a win for everybody. They can surprise you – and he’s the most amazing horse.

“He can be very strong, and can be challenging, but I think all those horses of a lifetime can be. And he’s so kind; he might buck, but if he feels me slipping, he stops and scoops me back up!”

Sue said she sticks to smaller hedges owing to the previous injury, but that Louis is thriving in his work and simple routine, and she knows he will let her know if he is not happy. And she wanted to share his story to show that even if a horse cannot do the job for which he was intended, there are other ways both horse and rider can still enjoy what they do.

“I think this may help others consider other jobs for their older horses,” she said “I hope it may also demonstrate to people how much our horses are loved and cared for.

“And one reason he has been able to do it is Karen’s input and my really good farrier – they make all the difference.”

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

You may also be interested in:

‘Every day with her is a bonus’: meet the pony who’s fabulous at 45 – and could be the UK’s oldest horse

‘He loves a slice of cake’: meet the spotted, speed-demon superstar who’s qualified for Blue Chip aged 21

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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

As horses – like humans – are typically living longer than ever before, many owners are enjoying the company of their equine partners well into their teenage years and beyond. But when it comes to equine insurance, horses can be considered “veterans” once they pass the age of 15. So do you need to swap to a veteran horse insurance policy as soon as they hit 15?

Like so many things in the horse world, the answer is “it depends“. If your horse has been with an insurance company for a period of time, they may offer you the chance to continue on your existing policy, often up to the age of 20, although the levels of veterinary cover might change and your premiums may increase.

Whether you decide to continue with your existing insurance, or shop around for a policy that is specifically for veteran horses, it is important to read the small print to ensure that the cover being offered is suitable for you and your horse’s needs.

A typical difference between standard horse insurance and veteran horse insurance is which health issues are covered under vet fees. Some veteran policies will only cover horses for accidental, external injury and not any forms of illness. Some have colic cover available as an add-on option, while others do not cover colic at all. There are companies that continue to offer full vet cover regardless of the horse’s age, as long as conditions are not pre-existing.

Although there is no legal requirement to insure your horse no matter what age they are, having a minimum of third party liability cover will give you peace of mind should your horse cause injury to someone outside your immediate family, or damage to their possessions.

If your veteran horse is still being ridden, personal accident and tack cover are likely to be worthwhile. And while no-one likes to think about it, some veteran policies include cover to help with the unavoidable disposal costs, should you face this unfortunate end of life situation.

Example veteran horse insurance policies

So now we’ve highlighted some of the important items to consider when you are looking to insure your veteran horse, what does a veteran horse insurance policy typically cost?

The Insurance Emporium offers veteran horse insurance – covering death due to external visible accidental injury only, theft or straying – from £1.18 per lunar month (every four weeks, so 13 payments per year). This example is based on a horse aged over 20, valued at £500, kept in York and includes Emporium’s introductory 20% discount. If this horse was valued at £2,000, the policy would cost £5.03 per lunar month. You can then add additional cover for vets’ fees (external visible accidental injury only), colic cover for horses under 25, public liability, tack cover, personal accident and more to tailor the cover to suit.

Petplan offers veteran horse insurance for those aged between 20 and 40 for a maximum value of £1,500, whereas Agria states that “it doesn’t do veteran horse insurance” as they offer horses of any age with full cover for internal and external conditions for the entirety of their lives with no age-related exclusions. Contact the companies directly for a quote.

Some veteran horse insurance policies have upper age limits, whereas others do not – be sure to check the parameters of each insurance company.

Does my veteran need a vetting?

If you are considering purchasing or rehoming a horse aged 15 years or older and are wondering whether you would need a vetting in order to take out insurance, there are some insurers who will provide cover without a vetting, including Harry Hall. However, requirements may vary depending on the value of the horse and the type of coverage you are searching for.

Harry Hall’s coverage can include accidental external injury, vets’ fees insurance and liability protection with no upper age limit. Their veteran horse cover can start from £4.77 per month but excludes colic surgery.

So the good news is that if you do choose to insure your veteran horse, there are plenty of options available to suit all budgets and requirements. So check the policy is suitable for your needs and then you’ll know that you have support at hand if it is needed.

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

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There is “no stopping” a veteran horse and rider combination with a combined age of 94, as they stand at the top of three showjumping leagues.

Maggie Richardson, 70, and her 24-year-old mare Black Beauty’s Quest (BB) lead the Vale View Jump4Joy unaffiliated overall winter jumping league, and the Elms Farm unaffiliated 70cm and 80cm horse leagues.

“I’m so pleased with BB, especially at our age. We’re beating these youngsters, and it drives me. We’re not just out there to take part,” Maggie told H&H.

“BB enjoys it, she knows when we’re going out on the lorry. She takes great care of me, and I try to take great care of her.”

Maggie keeps BB fit and healthy with plenty of hacking, and rest days before and after competitions, and they only jump at shows.

“I try to keep her routine going and it seems to work for us,” said Maggie.

“We hack around the cross-country course at the yard and once a week I let her have a blast because she likes to do that, and I like her to open up her lungs.”

The Vale View league concludes at the end of March, and the Elms Farm leagues on 6 April. Maggie and BB will then contest the summer leagues, and Maggie hopes to attend the Veteran Horse Society national championships in September.

“I have to pinch myself. I think ‘How on earth did I get to this?’ There is no stopping BB and I can’t believe what I’m doing. A lot of people say because of my age, ‘You’re amazing, you do so well’, but I can only put it down to my good health that I can still do what I’m doing – and I’ve got an unbelievable little mare,” said Maggie, who has been an inspiration to other riders.

“People say, ‘You’ve made me feel like I want to get back in the saddle’. I feel like I’m doing something good, and if you can be inspirational, that can’t be a bad thing. I still want to be showjumping when I’m 80.”

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

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An Arab mare who was officially recognised as the world’s oldest horse has died aged 36, after a “long and extraordinary” life.

Record-holder Echoquette suddenly and unexpectedly” died from acute liver failure at her home in Texas, US, Guinness World Records reported.

Although she held the official title, H&H reported last year that the horse thought to be the UK’s oldest is Roana, a pony who was still looking fabulous at 45.

“Echoquette, a gorgeous chocolate-colored purebred Arabian mare, truly lived the good life,” a Guinness World Records spokesperson said.

Echoquette was born in Arizona, US, on 8 May 1988 and grew up in Switzerland.

“We first saw Echoquette in April 1993, standing curiously in her stall in Switzerland. In that moment, we discovered the horse who would change our lives for ever,” said her owner, Andrew Haus. “She looked at us with her head tilted, almost like a curious dog, an endearing and unusual gesture that immediately caught our attention.

“She became the first horse we ever bought, marking the beginning of a lifelong bond we couldn’t have imagined would last over three extraordinary decades.”

Echoquette, who was by Aladdinn Echo and out of Tender Love, moved to Switzerland aged four, and back to the US in 1998.

“She loved to spend her time basking in the sun, lounging and grazing around in the grassy pastures, and resting under the shady trees near her stable,” the spokesperson said.

“Echoquette also had a constant appetite, and was serious about her daily feeding schedule – the Haus family said that no matter the mealtime, she was known to have a special knack for securing snacks, usually a handful of her feed pellets or apples, bananas and grapes.”

Andrew said that whenever she saw anyone in the yard, she would “march” over and nicker until her request was granted.

“[She also] seemed to have a sixth sense for detecting an open gate between the pasture and the garden,” he said. “The moment one was left unattended, she would seize the opportunity to sneak in and help herself to two of her favorite treats – carrots and lettuce.”

Andrew said her death came as a shock.

“Veterinarians described her as one of the kindest horses, noting how she cooperated with treatments without sedation, seemingly understanding that they were done to help her,” he said.

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

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Meet the spotted, speed-demon, cake-loving showjumping superstar who’s just turned 21, and qualified for the Blue Chip Winter Showjumping Championships.

Grade A Caltra Minister and Abi Andrews won the Diamond qualifier at Duckhurst Farm, Kent, on 29 December, picking up their ticket for the spring finals by over a second, from 37 starters.

Abi told H&H she tried to semi-retire “Charlie”, also known as Turbo Spots, last summer, without success.

“I started winding things down last year and didn’t really ride him; he was a companion for a foal who’d just arrived, “ she said. “But he was just jumping in and out of fields, three to four times a day. The vet was there doing vaccinations and said ‘Why aren’t you still jumping that horse?’! So I started again, and he absolutely loves it.”

Abi bought Charlie in 2018 from Amy Ryan, with whom he had had great success including winning the speed derby at the Arena UK Major Showjumping Championships, and going to grade A.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have him in his later days; we started doing the amateur stuff straight away,” Abi said. “Then I got pregnant within about three weeks of buying him, and went to the Aintree amateur championships when I was six months’ pregnant. We came fourth in the final; I could feel the baby kicking before we went in. He’s the only horse I’d ever have dreamed of leaving the floor on when heavily pregnant but he took us both round.”

Charlie is known for his warp speed but Abi said he does not look the fastest; it is his tight turns that mean he is normally well out in front.

“He just needs to know the course!” she said. “If I don’t make a mistake, I don’t think there are many horses who could touch him at these heights. If I don’t interfere or panic, he’s the fastest there is; our only trouble is that he turns too tight – if he whips round too fast, I’m out of the side door. I’ve never seen a horse turn like him.

“At Duckhurst, he knows exactly where he’s going and like on Sunday, comes round so fast, I don’t do anything, just hold the mane. I need a strap with handles like on the kids’ Inky Dinky saddles, as he turns faster than I can!”

Abi said she has never yet been to the Blue Chip championships; as she is self-employed and has two children, it can be hard to get to shows that run on weekdays.

“But this might be one of the last ones I get to go to with him so I might try to give it a bash,” she said. “I think he deserves to go; he’s amazing at everything and I just need to switch off and leave it all to him.”

Ani said Charlie is “fully automatic”, and not just to ride. He loads himself, stands loose to be untacked and loves going to shows.

“As soon as I touch the box, his head starts bobbing up and down,” she said. “Not neurotic, just vibrating with excitement like a Ribenaberry because he knows he’s going out. He loves it, and he’s the kindest, most wonderful horse.

“He’s usually referred to as ‘coloured’ and his passport says skewbald but he’s a palomino blanket appaloosa, although there’s no appaloosa in his book so I don’t know where that came from. He’s my blonde bombshell flying machine.”

And he knows when he has done well too, Abi said, and earned his reward.

“At Duckhurst they normally have these beautiful big Victoria sponges, which are rather good,” she said. “I always get him something when he’s done well and once they’d run out of Polos so I got him a slice of this beautiful cake and now it’s become a thing; he looks for his slice of cake when he’s done well. And to be honest, I should get him one even when we haven’t done well as that’s always my fault. He’s just a superstar and I’m lucky to have him.”

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

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Meet Roana, a pony who is looking fabulous at 45, enjoying a life lived exactly as she wants it – and including frequent unscheduled trips across her yard owner’s garden.

To celebrate National Horse Day on 13 December, Harry Hall tried to find the UK’s oldest horse, and thinks Roana is the one. The 13hh mare only retired a few years ago owing to injury, which has since healed, and has survived strangles and a fractured hock along the way.

Cerys Brown, who has owned Roana for nearly 30 years, told H&H she is “everything” to her.

“I know how lucky I am to still have her,” she said. “Many people are lucky to have 10 to 15 years, let alone 30. Every day I see her wee head over the stable door is a bonus.”

Cerys started having lessons at her local riding school in Northern Ireland aged five, and when she first rode Roana, she was not convinced.

“I only rode her as the pony I usually rode had had to be put to sleep and they said ‘We’ve got this lovely pony for you’, but I didn’t really like her,” she said. “She was hard to get going, didn’t really like all the trotting round behind the others; she was more happy doing her own thing – as she still is now!”

But when they started jumping together, “I actually thought ‘I quite like her’,” Cerys said. “And she quite liked jumping. We found common ground and started to enjoy each other’s company.”

Cerys and Roana competed together but in the early 2000s, the riding school closed and all the ponies were to be sold.

“My granny stepped in and bought her for me,” Cerys said. “I was too old by then to compete in the classes we’d been doing but I didn’t want her to go to another riding school as she wasn’t a fan of riding schools, or children. She liked me because I always had treats in my pocket – I had a secret weapon – and when Stud Muffins came out, I found she really liked them, so they became my go-to!”

Roana became one of the family, teaching Cerys’s friend’s children to ride and appearing as guest of honour, with Cerys’s other horse Tinkerbell, at her wedding to Peter.

“We have a different level of bond, I know her inside out,” she said. “I know how she is feeling just by looking at her. Everyone should know her story as she has been such an amazing companion and has had an incredible impact on my life.

“Our wedding was supposed to be in July 2020 so of course it was called off and we had a little ceremony in my granny’s garden, and I got to bring the horses – there were no Covid restrictions on how many horses you could have – and I rode Tinkerbell; if I’d ridden Roana, she’d have been guaranteed to buck me off!”

Both Roana and Cerys have had challenges to face; the former caught strangles in the 1990s, and another pony kicked her in 2005 and fractured her hock but she bounced back both times. Cerys was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 18 years old and spent her early 20s in and out of hospital.

“If I hadn’t had her and my other horse, it would have been hard to get out of hospital and get well again,” she said.

“I always have a friend, there’s always someone to talk to and she’s been there through every major life change. Owning horses has given me something to get up in the morning for; even on my lowest days Roana and Tinkerbell gave me purpose. They’re like siblings to me and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them.’’

Roana is thriving and, Cerys said, looks nowhere near her age.

“She’s lost a bit of muscle from not being ridden but you’d never guess how old she is,” she said. “She has lost a few teeth and all her hard food is soaked, which is her most favourite thing, but she still manages haylage; they make it at the yard and it’s soft and lovely, and grass. Keeping her moving and muscled has been key; supporting her joints and making sure she has as natural a life as possible. But she does as she pleases and lets you know if you’re ever late or out of a routine!”

So Cerys is just grateful for every day she spends with her “family member”.

“She’s as important to me as my family as she’s been there through pretty much everything,” she said. “She’s such a strong character; she still bucks and carries on, has a wee hooley now and then, and takes herself where she wants – she has a thing about going straight for the yard owner’s garden. She will let me know when she’s done, but for now she’s more than happy to keep me on my toes.”

Harry Hall managing director Liz Hopper said: “Horses are living longer; due to advancements in nutrition and medicine, we are witnessing them surpassing expectations of the average age, which is around 25.

“This means equine friends are remaining with their owners for much longer – which is wonderful to see! In light of this, Harry Hall set out on a mission to find the UK’s oldest horse and uncover a heartwarming story ahead of National Horse Day on 13 December.

“From our database of Harry Hall One Club members, Roana was crowned the oldest horse. It’s remarkable that Cerys has been able to spend the majority of her life with Roana by her side, it truly is a beautiful partnership.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A Shetland mare who appeared three times at the London International Horse Show, standing supreme in-hand champion, has “left a massive hole in our hearts” after her death aged 35.

Owners Adam and Ally Pike had to make the final call for their beloved Minnie The Moocher, who took the Veteran Horse Society (VHS) supreme title in 2013 aged 24, but whose age had finally caught up with her.

“We always knew she was a pony who wouldn’t make it easy for us!” Adam told H&H. “We had to make the call. She had one last summer with the sun on her back, then we needed to do it. She was a cracking pony and the stable yard feels very empty at the moment.”

Adam and Ally had owned Minnie, thought to be the only Shetland to win at Olympia, for 32 years.

“Ally had a riding accident and the doctors said it would be ideal if she didn’t ride again,” Adam said. “I said why didn’t we get one to drive or something, not thinking she would want to, then the next minute, she turned up with a three-year-old, with a foal at foot.”

Adam said things were not ideal to start with; Minnie was “a bit feral”.“We couldn’t get near her for two days!” he said. “But she soon came round. She could be a proper chestnut mare and play you up but she was always a good pony – a terrific pony.”

Minnie did not excel in the show ring until she was in her late teens, when Adam and Ally found out about the VHS by chance.

“We happened to be at Arena UK and they had a VHS thing the next day,” Adam said. “We thought we’d have a look, and everyone was having a great time so we sort of fell into it – but all her success was down to [VHS director] Julianne Aston.

“We kept missing out and missing out, then in 2010 and 2011, we got to the finals at Olympia. In 2012, we had a bit of a disastrous year and had a year off, then in 2013 we said we’d have one more go, and she won.

“It was fantastic, to be part of that show; we really felt we’d made the big time. It was terrific, then of course to win, and trot down that centre line, was like winning the pools.”

Adam always led Minnie at shows – he said Ally would enjoy all the preparation but was never able actually to watch Minnie in the ring.

“But of course, she watched that,” he said, of Minnie’s championship lap of honour. “We retired her there and then because she couldn’t have done anything better than that.”

Minnie spent a few years going to some smaller shows – “to make sure she wasn’t bored, as she’d see the lorry going out and think ‘why am I not going?’” – then played mother to some younger ponies, “and bossed them around”.

“She was a fantastic pony,” Adam said. “She was so easy at a show; I never led her in a bit and she was never frightened of anything. We’ve had some ponies who wouldn’t walk through water – but she would have walked through flames for you. She has left a massive hole in our hearts.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A 27-year-old part-bred Welsh cob rose to the occasion to win the 2024 RIHS New Horizon Plastics Co. Ltd. SSADL in-hand title before taking the subsequent senior supreme championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Heather Macdonald’s ever-green chestnut Storm Dancer was in perfect step with his handler, Heather’s daughter Ailsa.

The family bought him 22 years ago as an unbroken five-year-old.

“It actually took a few attempts to break him; he was a difficult one but was so worth it,” said Ailsa, who works as a bus driver for Stagecoach Monday to Friday.

Ailsa and Storm began their partnership out on the hunt field with the East Cornwall. They also did some eventing, show jumping and even dabbled in polo cross.

“When we moved to the north of Scotland — which is where we are now — we started showing,” Ailsa continued. “Now, in his later years, we stick to some low-level jumping and these SSADL classes, which we love. We’ve been doing this for a few years now and this is definitely our highlight.”

Yesterday, Ailsa and Storm lived out another dream when they joined the hunt in the International Arena who paraded with the working hunter championship finalists. Ailsa explained how the opportunity arose: “I was here two years ago for the SSADL finals and saw the hunt taking the champions round in the main ring. When we qualified to come back this year I sent an email to Hickstead, who put me in touch with the hunt. They very graciously said I could ride with them. Storm was awesome; he thought all the cheering was for him.”

Ailsa added: “Storm definitely owns me, and I definitely don’t own him. He runs the entire yard, and he’s full of life all of the time. He loves jumping; we always give him a little jump at the end of a schooling session to keep him sweet.”

Reserve for the in-hand crown and for the overall supreme title was Kelsey Bishop handling her 24-year-old skewbald Shemika Snip. The big-moving mare was a rescue broodmare prior to her joining Kelsey.

In the ridden section, former top coloured contender Brookfarm Heaven Scent (Poppy), 22, reigned champion with 19-year-old Willow Airey.

The skewbald mare has been Willow’s pony for eight years.

“We’d always wanted her, and when the opportunity to buy her came up we took it very quickly,” said Willow, who works as a dog groomer. “She’s taken me all over the country and has won lots of championships but now she’s enjoying a quieter life. She’s my best friend. She’s sassy — a bit like me.”

East Yorkshire-based Willow and Poppy have featured in the RIHS coloured finals before, but in their first year things didn’t go to plan, as Willow explained: “She galloped off with me and chucked me off. We’ve been back in since, though.”

Ridden reserve was Welsh pony Llanfrechfa Joshua, a 25-year-old by Colyne Hyperion and ridden by Darcey Victor.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Royal International Horse Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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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

Fire crews spent nearly two hours freeing a 17hh veteran horse who was stuck in mud about four feet deep.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service sent a crew from Brecon Fire Station and the animal rescue team from Pontardawe Fire Station to a field in Libanus, Brecon, at midday on Saturday (14 July).

“Following a report of a horse that had become stuck in a boggy patch of a field, crews responded to a 20-year-old horse measuring approximately 17hh, who was stuck in around four feet of mud,” a spokesperson for the service said.

“The animal rescue team and the Brecon crew formulated a rescue plan and worked together to successfully release the horse.”

The spokesperson added that a major issue to overcome during the rescue operation was the fact one of the horse’s hind legs was “stuck by suction deep in the bog”, and that the horse was exhausted by its efforts to get free of the mud.

“Crews successfully rescued the horse by using salvage sheets, one slide mat, strops and shovels,” the spokesperson said. “The horse was put in the care of its owner and veterinarians, who were also in attendance.”

The rescuers left the scene at 2.10pm.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has specialist animal rescue teams based at Pontardawe, Carmarthen, Machynlleth and Rhayader fire stations, who use a variety of specialist equipment.

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A rider who made a last-minute decision to go to a qualifier is looking forward to taking her two horses – one a 31-year-old – to the Royal International Horse Show (23-28 July).

Emma Barrow’s Welsh section D Waltham Scorpio (Harry), who has been in the family for 30 years, longer than Emma herself, won his Senior Horse Showing and Dressage ridden age class at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) area 14 show, then stood champion. Emma’s 19-year-old former racehorse Royal Sovereign (Roscoe) also won his class, and stood in-hand champion.

“I couldn’t believe that one had qualified let alone both and on the same day!” Emma told H&H. “We are still on cloud nine and can’t quite believe it.”

Emma said Harry did not have the best start in life.

“Mum’s friend said ‘Come and look at him’, but she didn’t really want another horse,” Emma said. “But she went to see him, felt sorry for him and thought ‘I’ve got to take him home’.”

Once he had been backed a few years later, Harry was loaned to a riding school for a while until Emma was old enough to take the reins.

“I’ve been riding him all my life, on and off,” Emma said. “About 11 or 12 years ago, I lost my showjumper to a kick in the field. I was only 12 or 13 and heartbroken. Harry was semi-retired by then really, but I started riding him again. We did some showjumping and he did really well, then a couple of veteran showing classes, and it all went from there.”

Emma had looked at other horses to buy after her showjumper died but some failed the vet and others “just weren’t right” – which is when Roscoe came into her life.

“My friend had him, I started riding him and it all fell into place,” she said. “It was heartbreaking, what happened, but I think things happen for a reason.”

Emma bought Roscoe to event, then realised something was not quite right. He was operated on for kissing spines about six years ago and is fully back to himself – “A bit too much, maybe; he gets a bit excited!” Emma said.

Emma had taken both horses to Hertfordshire County Show on the Sunday and both were “a bit full of themselves”, and as they were both bathed and groomed to perfection, she made the last-minute decision to go to the BSPS show the next day.

“Our 4×4 was playing up so I was wondering whether we were even going to get there!” Emma said. “Roscoe is a bit like Marmite so I was over the moon that he finally got his golden ticket. Then it was a quick changeover at the trailer and I was back in the ring with Harry. He pinged his way round to win his ridden age class then went back in and completely shocked us by also going champion.

“He’s been to the London International but never the RIHS; it’s hard in the championships as there’s such a mixture with plaiteds and traditional cobs and the Welshes look a bit in between.”

Emma said she believes part of the reason Harry is still sound, happy and thriving on ridden work at his age is that she has always kept him fit rather than fat.

“I try to let them be horses,” she said. “They’re out 24/7 as much as they can; I try to make sure that whatever they’re happiest doing, I do for them, he has the best of everything that I can afford, and although he’s on a joint supplement, that’s all.

“He’s the perfect gentleman; he does have his cheeky Welsh side and his opinions on things but he’s so easy in every way.”

Emma works three jobs, in a veterinary surgery and at two pubs, often seven days a week.

“I get the odd weekend off!” she said. “At times I think I’m completely mad, like when I’ve had four hours’ sleep and am going to a show but this really does make all the long hours, blood, sweat and tears worth it. It is what it is and I wouldn’t change it.”

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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 former international dressage horse has turned his hoof to a new discipline in his later years. Pam Jones’ Belion has recently forayed into the show ring, and he has already qualified for the Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL) finals at both the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and London International Horse Show (LIHS) with his amateur rider Rebecca Anders.

This is the first season the 16.3hh gelding, who is by Sandro out of a Don Primaire mare, has stepped foot into a show ring.

The 18-year-old Dutch warmblood was imported from Holland in 2012 for his long-term owner Pam to learn advanced dressage movements on.

When in his home country, he achieved a ZZ dressage record, which is the equivalent to advanced level in the UK.

His loaner and rider Rebecca approached Isle of Man-based Pam about showing him when he was without a job.

“We initially took him to Aintree for his first show where he was second in good company as a riding horse,” says Rebecca, who works in local government.

Rebecca and Belion’s second show was Hambleton in May.

“We had no expectations as it was an SSADL qualifier and it was only his second time out,” Rebecca continues. “He won his RIHS qualifier and I was surprised to say the least, given the very testing weather conditions he had to perform in. He went on to claim the championship and his RIHS ticket. Both judges said he was presented to perfection and that we were very well suited. I rang Pam as soon as we came out of the ring and we were all thrilled with him.”

The LIHS ticket on this day was not meant to be, though, as while Belion won his section he was unsettled in the championship, as Rebecca explains: “He wouldn’t stand in the line and the judges said they couldn’t give him the ticket, but we finished reserve to a beautiful lead rein pony so we definitely weren’t disappointed.”

At their most recent outing at Royal Cheshire in June, Rebecca and Belion were able to secure their London dream as they lifted the senior ridden championship, winning their second SSADL ridden ticket in the process.

“He’s opinionated and if you don’t ask the right questions you get the wrong answers; we’ve accidentally ended up in piaffe a few times,” says Rebecca. “Pam was able to watch us at Cheshire too, which was very special for us all.”

Rebecca notes that Belion is thriving in his new career, despite a few challenges along the way: “He has problems with his teeth so keeping weight on him during winter has been hard. But he looks really well at the moment, and he seems to love showing. I feel very lucky to have the ride on him.”

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A horse and rider who have a combined age of 90 years old reigned at the 2024 Royal Windsor Horse Show for the second year in a row. Equine vet Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher and her 26-year-old Connemara Smokin Gun (Gunner) reclaimed the senior-plus ridden pony title they also won in 2023.

Gunner, an Irish-bred Connemara, was formerly Rebecca’s daughter Bethany’s competition pony. Over the years he’s turned his hoof to most disciplines, from working hunter, to eventing, to Pony Club activities. Gunner and Bethany were both 12 when they were first acquainted and together they enjoyed a glorious competition run, winning national titles as both an individual combination and as part of a team. In 2013, they were Pony Club novice eventing team champions and the following year they were individual champions at the National Schools Equestrian Association championships.

Rebecca, 64, took Gunner’s reins when Bethany went to university.

“I stole him from her seven years ago when I found my riding gear still fit me,” Rebecca confirms. “We are still competing at elementary dressage, and in eventing and showing, most recently dipping our toes into the veteran scene.”

During his time in the show ring with Rebecca, Gunner has lifted titles at Royal Bath and West, Dorchester and Mid-Somerset shows. Ahead of their most recent Windsor appearance, Rebecca says she did feel the pressure: “There’s always a risk going back to a big show where you’ve won before, and I do feel pressure not to let him down as he’s still Bethany’s precious boy.

“I’m usually the oldest rider at a show, too, and compared to all the younger riders who are so fit and well I do worry that I’m perhaps not as elegant. However, Gunner is a true performer who loves the job. Our win at Royal Windsor was an absolute thrill, and it’s great to fly the flag for the oldies, both horse and rider.”

‘He thrives off being competitive’ – Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher

This year the pair have also been trying working equitation for the first time.

“It’s something completely new to us both and variety is key for him; he knows what he’s doing so I very rarely school him,” Rebecca says. “He can be a bit of a diva if he knows what’s expected of him, so equitation has given him something completely different to think about.

“I also hack him regularly on the New Forest so he can combine work with enjoyment. I do lateral work and trot up hills over the heather which really engages his core and works on strengthening. He loves a gallop across the forest, too, to let off some steam.

“He’s out in the field for half of the day or during the evenings when the flies are bad. We’re lucky to have no lush grass where we live, so he’s trickle fed good quality hay, while also being given TopSpec feed which he’s been on for years.

“We’re lucky he’s never had a day’s lameness in his life, thanks to the quality of his feet and limbs. He also thrives off being competitive.”

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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 much-loved coloured horse Star Dream has been put down aged 22 after a bout of colic.

Star Dream (Dexter) was co-owned by Suzy Feltham, Jamie Rashbrook and Darren Dighton, with Jamie showing him for the duration of his career.

Dexter came over from Ireland having been used as a hunt horse and an all-rounder. He joined Jamie and Darren as a project to sell on.

“I’d lost my old horse, so the boys kindly said I could have Dexter; this was over 10 years ago,” said Suzy.

Dexter began his competitive career showjumping, but was stepped down from the sport after fracturing his pelvis.

“When he couldn’t jump anymore we decided to start showing him, and with the help of Team Holder he had a ridden campaign,” Suzy added. “He qualified for the Royal International (RIHS) in his first season.

“Sadly, he developed an ulcer in his left eye and while our vets tried to save it with surgery, he had to have his eye taken out. While losing his eye was one thing, we nearly lost him at the same time as he developed an infection that almost went into his brain. He was in the Royal Veterinary College for six weeks.”

Once he was discharged from the vets, Dexter was lightly shown under saddle, qualifying for Hickstead once again before he was retired from ridden ranks. He then commenced his in-hand career, with Jamie at his side. His main results achieved include the veteran supreme title at the 2019 CHAPS championships. He was also reserve supreme Veteran Horse Society horse of the year and he lifted many titles on the county show circuit.

“He always rose to the occasion in an evening performance,” said Suzy. “We retired him from in-hand showing in 2022 with a retirement ceremony held at the national veteran championships. The loss of his eye never affected him and he lived for shows. He’d come out of the lorry with so much presence and he loved having his photograph taken.

“The trust and bond Dexter had with Jamie was incredible; if Dexter was unsure Jamie would reassure him and he’d know everything was going to be OK.”

Dexter spent the past year hacking around the countryside with Suzy.

“He looked so well that we were actually considering taking him to a show,” she said. “It was a very sudden loss.”

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A Combination who have been together for over 18 years secured the 2024 Royal Windsor senior ridden horse championship on the first day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Mimi Morley was in the saddle of her own and her mother Melanie’s 24-year-old skewbald gelding Puzzles Pleased As Punch (Perry). The former coloured class contender, who placed at the Royal International (RIHS) during his youth, was the oldest contender in the six-strong championship.

“I was 14 when I got him as a six-year-old,” said Mimi, who works as a recipe developer for grocery delivery service HelloFresh. “Over the years we’ve done everything; showing, workers, eventing and Pony Club when I was at that age. We’ve sort of grown up together.”

Melanie keeps Perry, third here last year, at her home and she is responsible for the majority of his day-to-day routine.

“He has an easy life,” Melanie says. “He’s ridden about five times per week, but he probably only goes to about five shows a year.”

Mimi added: “While I would describe him as a perfect angel, I’m unsure if Mum would agree with me on that one!”

Reserve in the 2024 Royal Windsor senior ridden horse championship fell to another coloured horse, Bria Corr’s 15-year-old piebald gelding Kilcogy Moon, the winners of the RIHS Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd ticket on offer.

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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 beloved Dartmoor pony hailed by his owner as a ‘mother’s dream’ trotted to the 2024 Royal Windsor ridden senior pony championship, and a ticket to this year’s Royal International (RIHS) final, with his 10-year-old jockey.

Rebecca Hartland’s 19-year-old Collstone Bonanza (Jack) and Myles Hartland were making their debut at Royal Windsor as a combination. They won a strong senior class of 25 plus entries en route to the section tricolour, ahead of the second placed pre-senior entry, Alison Gordon’s 15-year-old Highland stallion Balmoral Mandarin, who was bred by The late Queen.

While Myles is no stranger to the show ring spotlight — won at the RIHS final last season aboard show pony first ridden Barkway Alfie Moon — he’s never competed on Windsor soil before.

Rebecca bought Jack four years ago from Sam Herring and her daughter Eva.

“He’s only had three homes in his life as he’s such a superstar,” said Rebecca, who is based in North Yorkshire. “He’s our fun home pony; we do Pony Club and go hunting, and Myles’ little sister has learnt to ride off the lead rein on him.

“All of our friends have told us to do veterans with Jack for a while, but we’ve never given it a go until this year,” Rebecca added. “Jack is a mother’s dream; I thank my lucky stars for this pony.”

When he left the ring after winning the 2024 Royal Windsor ridden senior pony title, Myles added: “Jack is so fun and forward to ride. When the top six started to be called down in the class, my heart was beating fast!”

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One of the most successful Fell ponies of all time made a glorious debut in veteran classes as he captured the 2024 Royal Windsor in-hand senior championship, qualifying for Hickstead in the process.

The 15-year-old stallion Townend Schubert, who was handled by his long-term leaser Ellena Thomas, proved there is nothing he cannot do.

Under his long-term owner, H&H columnist Rebecca Penny, “Bert” was a multi-garlanded ridden pony. At the age of six, he lifted the 2015 M&M supreme championship at Olympia, and he also won at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International (RIHS) during his career.

When Bert bowed out of flat classes, he forayed into the working hunter scene. Three years ago, Ellena began leasing him and the pair have appeared at all the major finals over fences. This year, Bert is unable to attend the RIHS as a working hunter due to a connection to the judge so Ellena decided to try for a senior ticket.

“He’s old enough so we thought why not give it a go,” said Ellena, who owns the reigning London International Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd supreme in-hand champion Gwenllan Birt.

At home, Bert has an all-round life, as Ellena explained: “He hacks regularly and he’s pampered every day. He also serves mares; he might have a date lined up for later today! Thankfully, he’s such a straightforward pony who is so easy to show.”

Bert has performed at Windsor several times, including when he was the star of The late Queen’s Birthday Pageant in 2016 when he was partnered with then 13-year-old Kinvara Garner, who was portraying The Queen as a young girl. The duo also performed in the 2019 Pageant that was held to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria.

“He won here under-saddle quite a few years ago, too, so he knows the ground very well,” said Rebecca.

Reserve for the 2024 Royal Windsor in-hand senior championship was the winner of the final age category, the 26-year-old gelding Sir Loxley, handled by his owner Helen Jones.

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Jumping in a Longines FEI World Cup Final requires horses to be at the absolute peak of their powers, in prime athletic condition. The winner of this year’s renewal in Saudi Arabia (16–20 April), King Edward, is 14 years old; the runner-up Dubai Du Cedre 11. The average age of the top-16 in the final standings is 12 – which makes the achievement of the third-placed horse, Catch Me Not S, all the more remarkable.

Peder Fredricson’s 18-year-old finished second in both the speed and the jump-off classes at the finals leading up to the decider, where he lowered one pole in round one to slip to third overall.

“Charlie”, as they call him at home, was the oldest horse in the competition by some two years, and while most of his peers have long been consigned to the retirement paddocks, the grey continues to show huge zest for jumping these colossal courses. Many of his younger rivals looked weary by the end of five rounds of 1.60m fences, but Charlie looked as fresh as on day one. Peder believes the veteran, by Cardento x Ramiro’s Son, is “better than ever”.

“He can’t count how old he is and I don’t tell him,” smiled Peder after the speed class. “But of course it’s a different thing if they are 11 or 12, or 18. I make sure I move him around a lot but still keeping him fresh. I lunged him in the morning, then double lunged [with two reins] him at lunch. I don’t do much, just keep the muscles supple because I don’t want to tire him.

“I do it all myself, because at these shows it’s really important for me to see the horse, know the horse, see whatever you can do to make him feel good.

“Before the class, I don’t jump much, maybe four jumps to save him and keep him fresh.”

Peder also opted not to take him into some of the prize-givings: “He’s a very blood horse, he doesn’t like to stand still and he gets excited. It’s a long week and I want to save him from too much excitement. Tomorrow [a rest day] I will just walk him around, maybe lunge, but I won’t ride him.”

How Catch Me Not spends his downtime

Back home in Sweden, Peder makes sure Charlie is given the best possible chance of recovering from his exertions.

“When they get older, they need a longer break after shows, so I just leave him completely alone,” he said. “For one week, he just goes out in the field with a friend, resting. I always give him a long break after a show, and then slowly I start to work him.

“At his age, I don’t need to teach him new things, it’s the same with humans and horses. When they get older, they have the fitness, so I don’t need to get him fit, but I need to train him to stay explosive, because the muscles get a bit slower. It’s the same with me, I used to go to the gym and lift weights, but now I train jumps to keep my body quick and explosive. Him also, I basically jump a lot of small grids, bounces, nothing high – to keep him flexible and explosive. Not hard work, very light, to keep the body fresh and quick.”

Catch Me Not was spring-heeled all week, as fresh as a horse half his age. And there are other advantages of riding a veteran who is still feeling in the prime of life.

“For a World Cup Final, it’s really handy to have an experienced horse and we know each other so well,” said Peder.

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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

If he were a human, Zante would be consigned to an armchair with his pipe, slippers and false teeth. However, the 20-year-old Flemmingh gelding still “enjoys a party” and looked to be flourishing in the Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver Championship at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships 2024.

Eighteen months ago, Zante had all his incisors removed due to Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis, a painful dental disorder in which the teeth roots start to dissolve. 

“His tongue does stick out most of the time, but when I pick up the contact, he puts his tongue away,” Ellie said. “He’s coped really well with it. It was a difficult decision to have the teeth removed because we didn’t know if he’d be able to compete again. If the tongue did stick out all the time, we’d get hammered for it. But luckily he’s come back really well.”

Winter Dressage Championships 2024: the veteran who “doesn’t want to slow down”

Due to his advanced years, Zante is competed very lightly, but he relishes his outings.

“He had a month off after the removal and then didn’t compete until last summer,” said Ellie. “And then we did just the two tests to qualify for the regionals, won the regionals and here we are. I don’t think he wants to slow down just yet because we did semi-retire him and then took him out and he got an amazing score, and jumped into the lorry.”

Zante and Ellie contested young rider CDIs together, and competed up to inter I, but Ellie has stepped him down to advanced medium now.

“It’s a bit easier on him now he’s older, and he’s pretty secure at this level. He doesn’t find it particularly hard, and he does love to come out to a party, bless him. Doing little bits here and there keeps him happy. He goes hacking, does a bit of jumping, a bit of everything, to keep him supple more than anything else.

“He’s worth his weight in gold. He earnt me my GB flags, got me on national academies and took me from medium to inter I.”

Ellie is a sports scholar in her final year at the University of Lincoln, studying sport and exercise science. She chose a local university so she could live at home and keep riding, and also rides for the uni.

The pair finished 11th on 68.83% in the freestyle, which was won by Evelina Shrieve and Insist TC on 73.5%.

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Meet Wilson, the half-Clydesdale who is “living his best life” as he continues to showjump his enthusiastic way across Scotland aged 30.

Jonathan Bagg, who has owned the 17.1hh half-thoroughbred gelding for 25 years, told H&H he has been pulled up by British Showjumping (BS) judges as they struggle to believe how old Wilson is.

“I’ve been pulled in twice to check his age as they couldn’t believe what they were seeing,” he said. “They said they needed to check he was the right horse as he looked amazing.”

Jonathan only registered Wilson, formally Wilson II, with BS five years ago.

“I work in the industry; I’m international sales manager for NAF and in this and previous jobs in the industry I’ve travelled extensively so he wasn’t ridden to his full potential for a long time; we did unaffiliated and riding club,” Jonathan said. “My first year doing BS, we aimed for the Aintree amateur and veteran championships, which is a phenomenal show, and we’ve been chasing that dream ever since. He just wants to keep going.”

Jonathan and Wilson are under the guidance of Fiona Flynn, his instructor of over 30 years whose family ran the riding school Jonathan rode at before that.

Fiona sang Jonathan’s praises for his dedication to Wilson, citing the time and effort he puts in, early in the morning and late at night to ensure his horse is happy and healthy. She sent H&H pictures she had taken of the pair, which “show Wilson’s joy”.

“When he goes ‘up the gears’, to the untrained eye there’s no difference, but although the rhythm stays the same, the power Wilson puts in makes a huge difference,” she said.

“We both laugh because, at Wilson’s age, he has earned the right to be a little cheeky and so full of enthusiasm and excitement, we just contain it enough to keep him safe. In Wilson’s mind he is still 10-ish and we want him to continue to feel and think like that for as long as possible, but we protect him from his own enthusiasm!”

Jonathan agreed, adding: “He’s extremely enthusiastic. He hates flatwork with a passion; as soon as the poles have gone, he’s ‘I’m really not interested any more’.

“He’s always been on a joint and a muscle supplement – I work for NAF so I’m a great believer – and he’s only got about three teeth left so he has lots of hard food but he’s ok with grass and goes out for 10 to 12 hours a day.”

Jonathan said he sticks to jumping 85-90cm “and he only gets to do one class” a day, in deference to Wilson’s years, but added that were Wilson asked to jump bigger tracks, “I might be scared, but he would certainly do it!”

“We were jumping on Friday and Saturday last weekend, then hacked on Monday,” he said. “We were with two horses 20 years younger than him, and he out-walked them.

“He’s reliving his youth; we didn’t really do it when he was younger, and when we did go to shows I had no transport so we hacked there and back. Very old-fashioned but it seems to have worked. And as soon as he doesn’t want to do it any more, that’ll be him finished. He’s never been ridden in spurs, he’s always taken me to a fence, but if he felt halfway through a class that he’d had enough, I’d retire him there and then. It’s completely on his terms; it usually is on his terms, although that’s about trying to slow him down!”

Jonathan described Wilson as “one of the kindest horses you’ll ever meet”, who is “amenable to everything” and adored by the woman in her mid to late 60s who looks after him in Jonathan’s absence.

“I’m 47 now and I know everyone says it but he is literally the horse of my lifetime, and he’s been there as my friend all that time,” he said. “I’m exceptionally lucky; he owes me nothing and I owe him everything.

“One BS judge announced at the end of his round: ‘Wilson is living his best life’, and that sums him up’.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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

British owners have “loyalty and passion” for senior horses, providing top-class care for our special veterans.

A survey of more than 5,000 people, conducted by feed manufacturer Spillers, found similar results to a 2022 study, “reiterating just how much the nation loves their precious equine oldies”.

Over a third (37%) of respondents had horses aged 25 or older, and 65% considered equids old at 20.

“According to the survey, participants are extremely loyal to their seniors; 62% had owned their seniors for 11+ years,” a Spillers spokesman said. “A staggering 99.5% of participants expressed their intention to keep their senior horse for the remainder of its life, highlighting a deep commitment to their wellbeing.”

The spokesman said most of the veteran horses were “largely healthy and active”; 80% were considered in good condition, 8% overweight and 12% needing more condition. Common age-related issues including stiffness, arthritis and PPID (Cushing’s) were also reported.

The spokesman said 62% of the senior horses were still in ridden work, three quarters of these in light work. Retirement was common for horses aged between 21 and 25; the most frequently cited reason was that it “just felt like the right time”.

“It is heart-warming to see that we are such a compassionate nation, giving so much care and devotion to our special oldies,” said Claire Dyett, marketing manager for Spillers.

“It is also reassuring to see that our latest survey accurately reflects the findings from our previous work, which provides some very robust data for this important sector of the equine industry.

“Bravo to all the owners out there who are giving their seniors their best lives. Improved veterinary care and nutrition mean that we are better placed to manage conditions such as arthritis, PPID, and dental issues. An 8% increase in feeding a mash suggests that owners may be recognising the suitability of soaked feed presentations to support senior health, particularly when dentition becomes compromised. It’s by working together that we can continue to enhance health, welfare and quality of life and turn age into just a number.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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 rainbow shone out above Redwings’ equine hospital as the sanctuary’s oldest resident died at the age of 46.

H&H reported that Willow, who had lived at the sanctuary for over 20 years, was in fine health and condition as staff celebrated her birthday in January. The charity said “countless” supporters sent birthday messages, and BBS Radio Norfolk put together a playlist for the occasion.

But on 15 March, the Welsh mare experienced a “sudden and severe” episode of colic.

“Though the charity’s expert teams rushed to help and did everything possible for her, staff had to let her go to prevent her from suffering,” a Redwings spokesman said.

Willow arrived at Redwings in 2003 after an RSPCA prosecution. She was initially wary of people as she had had very little handling but settled in to become a “friendly and much-loved girl and a favourite of all those who met her”.

Redwings vet Dawn Trayhorn said: “While Willow’s grand age was rare, the specialist care we were able to provide her, thanks to our supporters, played a massive role in her enjoying such a long and healthy life, and I’m so proud to have been a part of that.

“She was so loved by so many, and I feel for everyone who is grieving at this news. I’ve never known so many people come to say goodbye to a pony.”

Ms Trayhorn added that it was the first time since the death of Phoenix, the foal who was badly burned in a stable fire, that a rainbow could be seen over the hospital.

“Willow was our most golden of golden oldies and truly one of a kind,” she said. “We won’t forget her.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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

Older horses will often feel life’s challenges, such as decreased grazing quality and restricted movement, the most so it’s important to make sure they’re getting everything they need. While you can get supplements to support specific areas of your horse’s wellbeing, such as gut balancers or joint supplements for older horses, many companies also make supplements for older horses that are formulated to support their all-round health.

These veteran supplements often contain ingredients that are known to support the joints and digestive system, to help keep them working as efficiently and comfortably as possible. Maintaining a healthy digestive system is particularly important as it will help your horse be able to absorb and make the most of any other feed or supplements he’s getting. Some supplements for older horses also include ingredients that aim to help maintain the hormonal balance. There are such a wide range of veteran-specific supplements that it’s important to consider what you’re looking to gain from one before you make a purchasing decision.

If you compete with your older horse then it is important you make sure any supplements you use do not contain any prohibited substances.

Supplements for older horses: what are your options?

Here is a selection of the best supplements for older horses that are currently available, including the manufacturers’ descriptions of their products…

NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available tub. Some products require you to feed more in certain situations, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.

NAF In The Pink Senior

Form: Powder

Sizes: 900g, 1.8kg, 3.6kg

RRP: £26.99 for 900g

Daily measure: 30g

Cost per day: £0.90

This supplement provides the older horse with the support he needs to stay active and feeling young. It helps balance the diet and the digestive system, which enables the horse to maximise the value of his feed intake. It also supplies antioxidant ingredients to flush excess free radicals and provides nutrients to support joint health.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

Science Supplements WellHorse Veteran

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1.6kg

RRP: £44.99

Daily measure: 54g

Cost per day: £1.35

This supplement contains every important nutrient your veteran horse requires and meets the NRC (National Research Council) and BASF (Animal Nutrition) recommendations for vitamins, microminerals and macrominerals to keep your older horse as active as ever. It also supports joint, respiratory and digestive health, muscle function, the immune system and coat and skin condition.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk 

Blue Chip Super Concentrated Senior Balancer

Form: Pellets

Sizes: 3kg

RRP: £28.90 for 3kg

Daily measure: 100g

Cost per day: £0.96

This feed balancer includes CushinCombo, which is a combination of chaste tree berry, antioxidants and omega oils, as well as a complete joint supplement, containing glucosamine and rosa canina.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Global Herbs Veteran Plus

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1kg

RRP: £32

Daily measure: 10g

Cost per day: £0.32

This supplement is designed to help support older horses when they lose the spark of youth. The key herbs, such as winter cherry, help to support digestion and immune function. It helps to maintain peak body condition, mobility and energy levels.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or oakfield-direct.co.uk

Dodson & Horrell Mobility

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1kg, 2.5kg

RRP: £19.19 for 1kg

Daily measure: 51g

Cost per day: £0.98

This dried blend of herbs will support your horses muscles and joints. It includes comfrey leaf, dandelion and nettle, which work to help support normal cell renewal and general joint and bone health. Celery seed, burdock root and devil’s claw root are also added for ease of movement.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

EquiNutritive Golden Oldies

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1kg, 2kg, 6kg

RRP: £41.99 for 1kg

Daily measure: 30g

Cost per day: £1.26

This natural herbal supplement for older horses provides extra support to maintain healthy mobility, liver function, dental strength, a shiny coat and healthy skin.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Equine America Everyday Vitamin & Mineral Supplement

Sizes: 1.5kg, 5kg

RRP: £29.50

Daily feeding rate: 50g

Cost per day: £0.98

Providing more than 25 key vitamins, minerals and trace elements, together with probiotics and prebiotics, this is a great option for horses on forage-based diets or low intakes of concentrate feed.

In the UK? View now at equine-america.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Hilton Herbs Senior Horse

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1kg

RRP: £28.41 for 1kg

Daily measure: 34g

Cost per day: £0.97

This herbal supplement helps to support all aspects of ageing. It includes ingredients such as milk thistle, burdock, meadowsweet and hawthorn to maintain liver and kidney health, the circulatory system, joints and muscles and good digestive health.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Horse First KeepMeSound

Form: Powder

Sizes: 1.5kg, 5kg

RRP: £31.70 for 1.5kg

Daily measure: 60g

Cost per day: £1.27

This all-in-one supplement compliments a well-balanced diet by providing an adequate intake of essential nutrients. It nurtures and cares for joints, hooves, coat, skin and assists the digestive system, giving all round help and support.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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

Redwings’ oldest equine resident wore a special rosette and enjoyed a big party as she and those who care for her celebrated her 46th birthday in fine style.

H&H reported on Willow’s 45th birthday in 2023, and the team held another party on 22 January this year.

Redwings vet Sarah Prior said: “It was a pleasure to celebrate Willow’s big day; our special lady deserves a special fuss!

“Her carers made her a birthday cake, out of soaked feed, perfect for a lady whose teeth are now decidedly worn.”

Willow was 25 when she arrived at Redwings in 2003, one of two ponies who had been rescued as part of an RSPCA operation. Both had been broodmares on the Welsh commons and had had very little handling.

The mares were initially nervous of people but Willow has become a “sweet and gentle” pony who enjoys a fuss, and has thrived to become the oldest Redwings resident.

Staff from the charity’s equine centre and veterinary teams were guests at the party, having made her a special cake, and all sang Happy Birthday as Willow sported her special rosette.

“As Willow has got older we keep a very close eye on her teeth, and her weight, as well as managing her arthritis – but she is always a pleasure to treat!” Sarah said.

“Part of what I love most about my job here at Redwings is the ability to offer such care to our wonderful veterans.”

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

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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

Georgia Kirby and Susan Kirby’s prolific show hunter pony and veteran contender Woodview Fiocco has been put down aged 21.

The chestnut gelding known as Finn was one of the circuit’s most consistent senior contenders, his best season coming in 2022 when he was supreme ridden senior champion at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), supreme veteran of the year at the Veteran Horse Society (VHS) championships and reserve ridden senior champion at London International, where his marks were equal to those of the winner.

Woodview Fiocco (Finn), who was bred by Moira Barron by Barkway Kouros out of Woodview Finlandia, was bought by the Kirby family when he was 13. Before this, he was shown successfully as a 133cm show hunter pony, qualifying for both the RIHS and Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Georgia was eight when she first sat on Finn; her mother Susan said: “Finn took her straight off a first ridden pony and he was the pony who really got her into showing. Georgia was so small at the time, so Finn was a massive step up for her, but he taught her everything she knows.”

Finn and Georgia began their partnership by showing in hunter pony classes at local level, but during the pandemic they found their feet as a combination.

“At the beginning, Finn was quirky in his own little way,” said Susan. “He wasn’t naughty, but he could bolt, and we actually considered selling him. However, Georgia decided she wanted to persevere with him.”

In 2021, Georgia won her first HOYS qualification with Finn, who was 18. At the NEC final, they finished second in the 133cm show hunter pony of the year championship.

“As a home-produced family going to HOYS for the very first time with an 18-year-old pony, we were understandably speechless at the results,” said Susan. “It was Georgia’s dream to ride at HOYS, and to finish second there on her first trip was the highlight of her riding so far.”

Finn, also a multi-county show supreme champion, and a top veteran contender in hand and under saddle. His final show ring appearance was at London International in December 2023, when he finished reserve supreme senior in-hand champion.

“He had so much personality and he was Georgia’s best friend,” said Sue. “The ring was his happy place; he would just prick his ears, flick his toes and off he went. He blossomed every year he went out, too, and he just got better and better. He has left a huge hole in our lives.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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 Welsh section C stallion lifted the 2023 SSADL in-hand supreme title on his debut at London International Horse Show.

Quantity surveyor Ellena Thomas led her own pride and joy Gwenllan Birt, 23, on what was her first time leading a pony on London turf.

“My main goal of the day was to not fall over while running,” joked Ellena, who was first acquainted with Birt 13 years ago. The Gwenllan Seimon son was on loan from Amy Trevor, and he was gifted to the Thomas family in his later years.

“He was my first stallion; I was only 14 when I first got him,” said Ellena, who is set to return to the main arena at London International on Monday to contest the BSPS supreme M&M ridden final. “He’s taught me so much over the years. He was 10 when he arrived with us and he was quite set in his ways, but we bonded and he had a great career until we bowed him out aged 16. He really put me on the map and helped me step up into open native classes.”

During his ridden stint with Ellena, Birt qualified for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) twice and he finished third in the open Welsh section C and D final at the Royal International (RIHS).

“This season we brought him out as a veteran in May,” Ellena continued. “I’ve had novice ponies this year so I was a bit stuck on what to do for the majority of the season. We thought why not give Birt another go, and here we are.

“He’s a typical old man in many ways, but sometimes he acts like a four-year-old. He keeps us on our toes. He’s our family horse we’ve had for 13 years, and now he’s given me my first London title.”

Last year’s ridden runner-up returned to finish as reserve for the 2023 SSADL in-hand supreme crown. This was 20-year-old show hunter pony contender Woodview Fiocco led by Lancashire-based Georgia Kirby. The pair’s CV includes the supreme title at the Veteran Horse Society championships, and last year’s RIHS SSADL ridden championship.

On form after winning the SEIB Search For A Star veteran accolade at Your Horse Live last month, Heidi Bull’s home-bred 18-year-old Romany (Play The) was pulled into third position.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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 Welsh mare’s quality and charm shone through as she captured the top spot in the 2023 SSADL ridden supreme championship at the London International Horse Show. 

The immaculate chestnut Annandale Maria, 16, was making her debut in the ever-popular SSADL (Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd) finals, under the instruction of her 11-year-old rider Naomi Archibald.

The pair put on a sublime performance, but nonetheless their connections outside of the ring were stunned at their result.

“I can’t believe it,” said Naomi’s mother, Jane Archibald. “Watching them trot out with the sash was surreal. They did a good show, but when the results were announced we didn’t dare to expect anything. We all gasped when they got called in. Naomi and Maria have two BSPS classes tomorrow (Monday) and the seniors was our ‘have a go class’. Qualifying for this final was just a bonus for us.”

During her younger years, Maria, who was bred by Vicky Stephens, was a prolific 133cm show hunter pony contender. She was shown initially by leading show horse rider Alice Homer during her pony years, who was second at the Royal International (RIHS) with her and rode her to be champion at Royal Windsor. Maria has also contested and been placed at Horse of the Year Show several times with various jockeys, attaining her best result — third — in 2015 with Alice.

“We actually bought her as an all-rounder two and a half years ago,” Jane explained. “And she has done absolutely everything for us, from working hunter, to one-day events, to polo, to Pony Club. She also qualified for the RIHS in nursery stakes in July. She hadn’t done much jumping before we got her, but she really hit it off with Naomi, and she’s so good natured that she’ll turn her hoof to anything. She always tries her best for you.”

Maria is a pure-bred Welsh section B and she is the reigning NPS Scotland points champion.

“She is sassy and cheeky, but she’s got more manners than most humans,” Jane added.

The family are based just outside of Perth and showing is a team effort, as Jane said: “We put a lot of effort into the ponies and we do everything from home.”

Reserve for the 2023 SSADL ridden supreme championship was the super lead rein contender Overley Gamebird, ridden by Millie Rackham-Cobb, nine, and led out by Millie’s godfather Justin Thomas. Millie and her 19-year-old mare “Mildred” scored the overall supreme at the SSADL national championships in September, and the pair were third here last year when handled by Millie’s mother Heidi Rackham.

Loren Gaskin’s 15-year-old traditional stallion The Boss netted third prize. The big-moving pony was SSADL supreme ridden at the RIHS back in July, on what was his first attempt at a senior championship.

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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 30-year-old show pony mare Mountain Gale topped a 66-strong veteran in-hand final at the recent Show Teams And Rising Stars (STARS) Champion of Champions show at Aintree Equestrian Centre (23 — 26 November).

Mountain Gale, a pure-bred Welsh section B who is known at home as Gale, was handled to perfection by four-year-old Grace Speak, who had ridden the ever-green pony to also finish fourth in the show pony lead-rein final and second in the ridden veteran championship earlier in the week.

Grace is a member of Thornton Cleveleys and District Horse Club. Gale has been on loan from the Peake family for a decade.

Last season, Gale won the ridden veteran championship at STARS with Poppy Gorst in the saddle. She is also a former Royal Windsor in-hand senior champion, has previously contended the senior finals at London International Horse Show and is set to return this year with Grace.

“Gale was formerly ridden by my nieces and now Grace has taken the reins,” said Grace’s mother, Lucinda Speak, who led the pair during their ridden finals at Aintree. “They do all Pony Club activities together, and Grace recently rode Gale to pass her D and riding road safety tests. Gale is a true kid’s pony.”

When asked what the secret to Gale’s longevity is, Lucinda said that the mare thrives on a varied routine.

“She doesn’t like to be stabled so she lives out,” Lucinda said. “She lives a very varied life, and she is very rarely schooled. We love her to bits.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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

Home-producers and their horse and ponies battled it out for the 2023 SEIB Search For A Star (SFAS) titles at Your Horse Live (10 November).

Competitors were required to qualify at select shows throughout the season, and only a handful managed to land their coveted tickets. Of the 11 winners, only one can be crowned overall SEIB SFAS supreme champion, and winning combinations will return to the ring tomorrow to vie for the title.

Meet those who won the 2023 SEIB Search For A Star accolades at Your Horse Live:

2023 SEIB Search For A Star winners

SFAS in-hand veteran

Romany (Play Time), a home-bred mare owned and handled by Heidi Bull, lands the in-hand veteran title. The 18-year-old competed up to elementary in dressage and last term she competed at London International in the senior final.

SFAS in-hand plaited horse/show cob

Mali Jones’ ex-racehorse Betheholyman, 15, secures the in-hand horse honours.

SFAS in-hand plaited pony

Phoebe Crutchlow leads her mother Sam’s Rhos Elodie to top honours in the plaited pony final. The pair also finished second in the Pony Club first ridden final later in the day.

SFAS in-hand M&M

The Highland pony Kirtonian Loch Birnie, handled by Liz Twite, leads the M&M in-hand field. The gelding combines showing with side-saddle work and dressage, and they were also finalists in the SEIB SFAS M&M ridden final.

SFAS in-hand native and traditional

Gypsy cob Foxwell Butterscotch, owned by Louise Pepperdine and handled by David Pepperdine, scores the native/traditional crown. The silver dapple gelding came from an allotment on the side of a mountain in Wales when he was 10 months old.

SFAS in-hand heavy horse

The four-year-old Suffolk Punch mare Holbeache Scarlet, owned by Andrea Hoskins and handled by Brad Auker, tops the heavy horses. Scarlet is in foal and her show ring tally is already extensive, including a victory at Royal Norfolk and a supreme title at Suffolk County.

SFAS Pony Club lead rein

The Pony Club lead rein spoils are presented to Thistledown Edison and Ross-Shire Pony Club member Ianna Grant, led by mother Mary-Jo Grant.

SFAS Pony Club first ridden

The first ridden honours go to Rufford Pony Club member Millie Croft piloting Desarbre Sparrow Hawk, a 13-year-old Welsh Section B gelding.

SFAS open Pony Club

Tregaire Tiger Lily, owned by Eloise Chugg-Martin and ridden by Rose Chugg-Martin, is the best of the open Pony Club pony line-up.

SFAS M&M ridden

Top honours in a competitive M&M ridden championship go to the Dales pony Nipna Outrageous, owned and ridden by Nicola Clarey, who bought him as a foal.

SFAS open veteran ridden

Sarah Grindle’s 20-year-old Saffron XII, a former eventer who has competed in the Badminton Grassroots championships twice, is crowned open ridden veteran champion. The horse has also competed up to advanced medium in dressage.

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Epic centre line moments — 36 winning ponies photographed at HOYS 2023

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The owner of a 28-year-old former Harrods coach horse has credited him for keeping her riding – and helping her through some tough times.

Clare O’Keefe has owned Apollo for 21 years; the Friesian came from the Netherlands as a four-year-old stallion to start his training as a carriage horse, and she looked after him and his partner Spartacus at the Harrods stables.

The pair pulled the store’s carriage through the streets of London as advertising, made deliveries, greeted tourists and visited Kensington Palace, where they met members of the royal family. They also carried important guests to Harrods in the carriage, including Father Christmas.

“I was lucky enough to be able to buy Apollo in 2002 when it was announced that the stables were closing, and all the horses were being sold,” Clare said.

“Apollo had a busy life in his younger years and worked very hard so now he’s older I take it easy with him and don’t do much, though he still likes to get out and about otherwise he gets bored. We still enjoy hacking out, riding around the farm where he’s kept and going to the occasional local show.

“When I had a bad riding accident on another horse, I almost gave up riding, but it was thanks to Apollo for rebuilding my confidence that I carried on. Lots of my friends and their children have also enjoyed riding him over the years.”

Apollo has now been chosen as the “ultimate golden oldie” by Spillers; the feed manufacturer invited anyone with senior horses or ponies to share their stories. Spillers then selected a top 10, with Apollo overall champion.

Clare said Apollo can be cheeky, and will slip his headcollar off when tied up, although “he doesn’t go very far”.

“He can also undo gates and at my previous yard he used to undo the field gate and let all the horses out!” she said, adding that Apollo eats Spillers senior feeds, and still enjoys sliced carrots, parsnips and his favourite brown bread.

“Apollo is such a special boy and means everything to me – I can’t imagine life without him,” she said. “We’ve been through so much together and he’s got me through some really difficult times. Thank you so much to Spillers for choosing Apollo as the champion golden oldie and a huge thank you for sending me some Spillers feed vouchers.”

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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

One of the UK’s last canal boat horses has moved to his final home, as one of his owner’s “last wishes came true for her faithful old friend”.

Bilbo Baggins has moved to Horse Sense Wirral, where he will be cared for, for the rest of his life, as his owner has moved into a hospice this week.

Bilbo hit headlines in 2012 as he was the first horse to draw a barge the length of the extended Leeds to Liverpool canal, a 128-mile journey that took five months.

“Unfortunately, his owner of many years moved into a hospice this week and is no longer able to take care of him,” a spokesman for the charity said. “Horse Sense Wirral stepped in so that she knows he will receive loving care for the rest of his days.

“As he is 29, Horse Sense Wirral is best placed to meet Bilbo’s geriatric needs, as one of the key focuses of the charity is giving dignity and comfort to old horses and ponies.”

Charity chair Amy Pirie said Bilbo made the journey from Suffolk this week.

“When we heard the story of the lady who owns him, we were desperate to help and make sure one of her last wishes came true for her faithful old friend,” she said. “He will be much loved and fit in with the other characters here – of which there are many.

“You can count on one hand the boat horses that exist in the UK – the practice is very much in decline. In that sense, Bilbo is part of history.”

Bilbo will be added to the charity’s sponsorship programme, and anyone who would like to support him is asked to get in touch.

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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

We’re usually satisfied if a horse has a successful career in one sphere during their lifetime, let alone three. The over-achieving Oldenburg Ashleys Lanchello is making a name for himself on the side-saddle scene at the age of 19, after successful stints as both a showjumper and a dressage horse.

Ashleys Lanchello (Cello) is owned by Vanessa Jensen and Linda Pollock, and he’s currently on loan to side saddle specialist Liz Rogers. He’s in his second season in side saddle classes, and his current tally includes wins at Hope Show, Royal Three Counties and Side Saddle Association fixtures.

The gelding, who stands at 16.1hh, began his career as a showjumper, competing regularly up to 1.20m and producing multiple double clears.

“We bought Cello seven years ago for my former business partner and good friend Vanessa, who was on the hunt for a schoolmaster,” says Linda, who has owned multiple horses with Vanessa over the years. “We bought him from Megan Bristow, and while he hadn’t competed for a long time, he had an impressive showjumping CV.”

On getting him home, Linda and Vanessa believed in Cello’s potential for the dressage arena, so they began to dip their toes into the scene.

“He really took to it, and despite the odd diva moment, he competed up to medium and qualified for the dressage to music finals at the British Dressage regionals,” adds Linda, who notes that Cello has been under the guidance of many trainers, including Richard Hayward and Michael Eilberg, over the years. “Cello definitely did act like a showjumper at times, though, often spooking when he’d see a table covered with a white cloth over it. Richard said to me that if that table had been presented as a jump, he would have cleared it with no questions asked!

“When we felt Cello had gone as far as he could go in the dressage arena, we decided that he needed a retirement home of sorts, but that he wasn’t ready to give up competition completely. He’s a really good looking horse, so we approached Liz to see if she was possibly looking for a horse to show.”

Liz took up Cello’s reins last year and with help from side saddle instructor Fran Penn, Cello was introduced to being ridden sideways.

“He was brought on very slowly, and they took their time with him,” explains Linda. “He’s got a huge team around him, and he’s had a lot of help along the way. He still looks so divine, and despite being a challenging horse, we’ve found the key to him now; ahead of him going into the ring he has to be worked like he’s about to do a dressage test. He’s trotted around to get him focused and put straight into the class without giving him time to think or have a chat to any other horses. We’re delighted with his results, and we’re now looking ahead to the National Side Saddle Association championships later in the season.

“Results aside, he’s a lovely horse to have around and he’s completely trustworthy. While he’s definitely not a novice ride, he’ll always give you that extra inch of effort, and if he has the right rider sitting on him, he’s the ultimate schoolmaster.”

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

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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 20-year-old thoroughbred took the overall spoils in the New Horizon Plastics Senior Showing and Dressage LTD (SSADL) in-hand championship at the 2023 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS). This was Gary Thorpe’s former hunter Twelve Bens (Henry), handed by Zara Thain.

The big-moving gelding, who is by well-known stallion Beneficial out of Niamh’s Glory, is new to showing but he has dabbled in National Hunt racing and hunting over his lifetime.

“We’ve only had him a year and this was only his second ever show,” said a shocked Zara, who was also making her debut at Hickstead and qualified Henry for the final at Trinity Park back in April.

Henry now lives with Sally Greenlees, and Zara is a family friend who rides and helps out with the horses.

Henry served as a huntsman’s horse for eight years, mainly heading out with the East Essex and Essex and Suffolk hunts. Prior to this, he briefly ran as a National Hunt horse.

“He did race when he was younger, but he was never quick enough,” said Zara. “He came to us for a slower pace of life, and while he is still out hunting regularly, we decided to try him in the show ring.”

Zara, who has ridden at Horse of the Year Show, is new to the in-hand scene, too.

“At home Henry is a dobin, but when he gets into the ring he lights up,” she added. “He lives out, and he’s a very good doer who loves his food, which makes keeping him look so well easy.”

Gabriella Cox’s Wolfgang Golden Symphony, a 19-year-old Dutch Warmblood, finished reserve in the in-hand championship.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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 powerhouse of a traditional pony landed the New Horizon Plastics Senior Showing and Dressage LTD (SSADL) ridden championship on day five of the 2023 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Loren Gaskin was in the saddle of her own and her sister Laila’s The Boss, a 15-year-old traditional stallion who they produce from home. The Leeds-based sisters share the care of Boss, who they first met over 13 years ago.

“My granddad bought him as a two-year-old colt; he was wild, unhandled and he had a spiky mane,” said Loren, who rode Boss to finish in the top placings at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the RIHS in open coloured ranks last season. “We then sold him to some friends, and at the beginning of the pandemic he came back up for sale. Laila and I decided to buy him back, mainly to be our pet.”

The Gaskins competed Boss in the open coloured final earlier in the week, and today marked his debut in a senior final. The pair are set to return to the NEC in October, after standing section champions at CHAPS South East regional showing show. 

“He took us to HOYS last year for the first time,” continued Loren, who is involved in the running of the family’s riding school. “He’s also taking us to London this year in the SSADL final in December.

“Every time I get on him I just smile and enjoy myself, no matter what the result is,” Loren added. “He should be human. He loves a fuss and he’s such a pet.”

Loren said that team work really does make the dream work when it comes to Boss and his results: “I couldn’t do any of it without Laila. She was up early this morning scrubbing him clean. It’s a complete team effort.”

Reserve to Loren and The Boss was Penny Richardson riding her family’s prolific Welsh section A gelding Thistledown Van Der Vaart who was also contending the seniors at Hickstead for the very first time. The pair were led out by father Mark Richardson.

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The age at which a horse is classed as a veteran has been investigated by researchers.

The team from the University of Kentucky have discussed their initial findings from a study; 122 US senior horses: When are they considered “old” and how does that affect their management? The research, in collaboration with Spillers, involved 2,717 US participants, who completed a survey about their horses’ age and management. Their horses were a mix of retired, semi-retired, and involved in competition or pleasure riding.

Findings included that 47.4% of respondents considered their horses “old”. 22.8% first considered their horses old at the age of 20 – 14.1% at 25 . The top reasons for considering horses older were their showing signs of reduced ability to exercise, age-related disease or disorders, and increased grey hair. Some 90.6% of participants made changes to their horses’ management when they considered them old, including changing their diet and/or adding supplements, exercising them less intensely and stopping exercise altogether.

Lead author Alisa Herbst told H&H the aim of the survey, which is part of a larger project, is to help improve the overall health and well-being of older horses by gaining a greater understanding of owners’ views and experiences.

“For some owners, seeing that ageing process will be a new experience, and they have to adjust their management accordingly. By knowing what others do and having support from experts, they can make the right management decisions,” she said, adding that further analysis of the data will be carried out and the team plans to publish the study in a scientific journal. An abstract has already been published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

“I understand the response that 20 is considered old, because that’s when we see a decline in exercise capacity – and the number one reason for considering the horse old was reduced ability to exercise. We know that there is a steep decline in exercise capacity between the ages 18 and 20, but it’s also important to consider that low muscle mass can affect the ability to exercise, which is something we also found.”

Dr Herbst added that it is important to consider the difference between reducing exercise intensity and stopping.

“Reducing intensity probably is a good thing to adjust to the horse’s capacity as they age, but stopping altogether may not be ideal. From human literature we know exercise in old age can have health benefits and slow down the progression of some diseases, and it’s very possible that’s also happening in horses. We currently have no studies on that so it would be good to look at this.”

In the UK, horses can join the Veteran Horse Society (VHS) aged 15. Founder Julianne Aston told H&H that the society based this age on the fact racehorses are generally considered old at 15.

“You get horses aged 18 going round Badminton, but these horses doing high-level work are obviously very fit and have a lot of stamina. I would question less experienced riders looking at their horses’ capabilities. For example, if you have an 18-year-old horse that hasn’t done much showjumping, then it’s suddenly taken to a showjumping competition, it might be a bit too much for their limbs. Not every horse at that age can achieve something like winning Badminton.”

Ms Aston added that sometimes owners can struggle to accept their horses are “veterans”.

“Some people can’t wait to join the society, and this year three quarters of our membership coming in are 16- to 17-year-olds,” she said.“But for others, accepting them as veterans is difficult, and they don’t want to think of them as old. To us at the society, 16 is a baby, but to the owner, 16 is a veteran, and that can be hard to get your head round.”

Grand prix dressage rider Hayley Watson-Greaves bought WG Rubins Nite as a two-year-old. He is now 19 and continues to compete at the top level.

“In terms of competing at an older age, it depends on the individual horse and how much they’ve done in their career. They’ve got to be fit, sound, healthy and happy. If they’re all those things, I don’t see a reason why you shouldn’t be out enjoying them, if they are still happy to do so,” she told H&H.

“It’s important to listen to your horse, which I’m doing with Rubins Nite. I think he’ll tell me when he doesn’t want to do it any more. But equally I don’t want to run him to a point where he is not able to do it. I’d like him to retire from competition but still be in work, because I think that’s good for their mental health. I think for top horses there’s got to be that progression when you retire them, when they’ve been so used to and enjoyed competing.”

Hayley said she has not had to alter Rubins Nite’s management very much as he’s got older so far, but he does enjoy summer breaks between competitions and hacking.

“He knows all the grand prix movements, so I don’t need to do too much of those. It’s more about working on his fitness and suppleness as he’s got older, to be able to do the work without overloading his joints,” she said.

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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 donkey who spent decades living her best life and delighting the public – and was thought to be the oldest in the UK, if not the world’s oldest donkey – has died at the age of 64.

Staff and visitors at Hatton Adventure World have paid tribute to Bubble, after the years finally caught up with her.

“She knew it was time and I knew it was time,” assistant manager Alice Latham told H&H.

“The vet was absolutely lovely. I sat with her and it was peaceful, and the best possible send-off she could have had. She was one of my favourites.”

Alice said Bubble arrived at the Warwickshire attraction 25 years ago, and became a favourite with visitors as well as staff. She starred in the film Nativity! and took a star role in Hatton’s own nativity plays.

“In her later years, she spent a lot of time in our ‘farmyard favourites’, being brushed and pampered and loved,” Alice said. “Animals know you on a different level and she was very knowing, and she was funny. She used to bray, and then fart at the same time, in the middle of farmyard favourites when it was full of people; this old lady who had not a care in the world, letting out these massive brays and farts and everyone would look horrified. It was fantastic.”

Alice said donkeys can be stubborn but Bubble had full trust in her carers at all times.

“She loved a carrot and a scratch and a cuddle,” she said. “She’d come and lean on you, she was a massive character – I could talk about her all day!”

Alice said as Bubble got older, staff worked closely with vets to ensure she was happy and “give her the best possible care and life”.

“She never lost her spark,” she said.

And when Bubble did show that the time had come, Alice made the toughest and best decision.

“You have a responsibility to make that decision when you look after animals, and it was the right one but it’s so hard,” she said. “Hopefully we’re going to have a memorial here, to tell people about her. Lots of our members have been in touch to say what a character she was, which is really nice.”

The park attracts a lot of visitors who may never have seen donkeys or farm animals before, and Alice said Bubble was always happy to give people their first experience.

“She was always willing to greet anyone and get a scratch, which was lovely,” she said. “There are children who are scared to touch anything but if they go away having stroked animals, they might find an interest which is amazing. I wouldn’t have gone down this path without places like this when I was little. Animals like Bubble are so important.”

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

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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