Equestrian journalist Pippa Cuckson has tackled the complex topic of disciplinary procedures that apply to horse abuse in the sport, in this exclusive article for H&H subscribers. From how yellow cards are used in different disciplines, to which cases go to a tribunal, to which governing bodies can sanction what and where, this piece answers some of the most common questions.
Severely neglected rescue pony put down after two years of love
Poppy, a Shetland mare rescued from one of the worst cases of neglect a charity has ever seen, has died. Poppy was one of 13 horses and ponies rescued from a community interest company in summer 2022, which resulted in court proceedings this year. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary said the team was devastated to lose Poppy. “She was such a sweet and courageous girl who completely won our hearts,” said sanctuary manager Saskia Joesbury.
The horse who led late Queen’s funeral given ‘animals’ OBE’
Lord Firebrand, who led The late Queen’s funeral procession, has been awarded the PDSA Order of Merit, for a decade of “outstanding devotion to duty and service to society”. The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery gelding, who was also part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, “went above and beyond his duties” during his 10 years of service. In a video created to mark his award, Captain Amy Cooper of the King’s Troop said: “I’ve never come across another military working horse who enjoys the parade so much and is so well behaved and is just such a lovely character. And they’re very special.”
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
Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
