1. The fact you won’t need to pass a test to tow a trailer
The car and trailer towing test is being scrapped as part of Government plans to tackle the HGV driver shortage crisis. Many equestrians have safety concerns, or are simply unsure how they feel about being allowed to take their pride and joy on the road in a trailer without training – though there’s nothing to stop anyone continuing to seek instruction to feel safe behind the wheel. Otherwise this is potentially very bad news for centres offering training services – and conversely good news for those selling trailers and 4x4s. There is anger from people who have recently paid to take tests they now won’t need. The change doesn’t come in straight away, so horse owners are being urged to read the detail before getting caught out, fined and receiving points on their licence.
Altior, jump racing’s record breaking superstar, has retired after a “fantastic innings” headlined by his world record-setting 19 consecutive victories and brace of Champion Chase titles. Trainer Nicky Henderson said that Altior’s owners Christopher and Patricia Pugh wanted to retire the 11-year-old “while still at his peak, fit, sound and healthy and ready for a new career”.
A farrier whose eyeball burst in a freak accident while he was shoeing is sharing his story to protect others. Charlie Madden is urging equestrians to consider wearing eye protection while dealing with horses as his loss of vision was the result of an accident that could happen to anyone. The horse he was shoeing was cross-tied, and as Charlie finished a hind foot and put it down the horse pulled back. “The string didn’t break but the headcollar did and the metal cheek ring catapulted off, like a shotgun, and went straight into my eyeball,” Charlie explains. This incident follows recent research on the impact of headcollars on horse injuries.
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 enjoythe magazine deliveredto your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access ouronline servicethat brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
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
Sarah has worked at an equestrian journalist and editor since 2004 and has held the position of Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief since 2014. She has reported for Horse & Hound from major championships including Europeans and World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on horses and horse sport including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. She has owned and ridden horses since 1993, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university. While studying for a BSc at London School of Economics Sarah also worked for top British dressage rider Louise Spate.
