Five-star winner Piggy March is H&H’s newest rider columnist, and in her first column, she reflects on Thoresby as a replacement for Belton; the latter boasted an “imposing” course and, Piggy says, “we need a few rider-frighteners” before Badminton. Talking of Britain’s first CCI5* of the year, she says it is “thrilling” to have it so soon, adding: “It seems crazy that I’m still the reigning champion; Vanir Kamira won it at 14 and returns as a 17-year-old. It’s sad for owners that these wonderful horses have missed Badmintons while in their prime. But we are fit and healthy and must look forward. The field is exceptional and we’re all hoping for a great week that will put eventing back on the map as one of the iconic British sporting fixtures.”
Social licence and horse welfare were the key themes in the recent International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) 2022 conference, and the main points were communication, education and opportunities for horses after their careers on the track. One key issue could be the language used to talk about former racehorses, as “the view that they are ‘damaged goods’ and they ‘need rescuing’ diminishes their opportunities in their post-racing career.”
A jockey who broke his back in a fall last month is still having winners — but as a trainer instead of being on board. Jack Teal said that he is “getting a great kick out of watching his horses”, since he was “buried at home in the arena off a pony” he was backing. “I landed flat on my back, heard a big crunch and thought it didn’t sound too good. The fracture is pretty stable as far as those things can be, but I’m not too sure when I’ll be back on a horse.”
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
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
