Yesterday (1 April) the equestrian world was awash with jokes and pranks, hoping to fool and amuse horse lovers.
H&H readers were left disappointed when we announced our new guest editor Hugh Grant was in fact an April fool.
The Hollywood star, who famously mentions Horse & Hound in the film Notting Hill, was a good sport about the prank — and readers thought he’d be the ideal choice for a guest editor.
“To be honest I think it would be quite good,” wrote Facebook fan Imogen Davis.
Ellen Gibson wrote: “If only! Hehe very funny!”
Sarah Whiteman said: “Was so excited I rushed to WH Smiths this morning to get a copy of this… Obviously missed the part about it being an April Fools!! Whoops…”
Ellie-Rae Dawon added: “I’m so disappointed this would be amazing!”
Meanwhile Hunter revealed its “original dog boot” — complete with a photo of a pug in wellies.
https://twitter.com/HunterBoots/status/583149805205106688/
And House of Fraser “launched” Horse of Fraser, even asking H&H for help to find a “horsewalk”.
Morning @horseandhound, we'd love to do a photoshoot w/ #HorseofFraser, do you have a horsewalk for this kinda thing? pic.twitter.com/QxxSoI3Pec
— House of Fraser (@houseoffraser) April 1, 2015
Eventer Ginny Howe “found” an unusual addition to her string.
Got to the yard this morning to find something very special…….. #EventerTurnedUnicorn pic.twitter.com/98p2D6mhFp
— Ginny Howe (@GinnyHoweEvent) April 1, 2015
Dubarry unveiled a leather bra.
Dubarry Expands Women’s Accessories Range #SupportingWomen #DubarryBra #UpLifting pic.twitter.com/hdZLJg01n6
— Dubarry of Ireland (@Dubarry_com) April 1, 2015
Thorowgood launched a new “heated saddle”.
“After lots of feedback from our loyal customers, we are proud to announce an innovative new saddle, which will change the way we ride forever,” the company said on Facebook.
“Introducing the T8 Therma Anatomic, our new saddle which continues to have the quality and luxury of a Thorowgood saddle, with the added bonus of heated pads at the front and rear hosting clever SmartHeat© technology, targeting those delicate areas. It will be the ultimate comfort riding experience.”
American website Eventing Nation reported that Rolex Kentucky CCI4* would run in the long format this year, complete with a quote from William Fox-Pitt about the 80s revival reading: “I’m pretty sure I can get a decent ‘stache going in a month, but growing a mullet doesn’t just happen overnight. I wish they’d given us a little more notice.”
And finally… Horse & Country TV broke the news about a new “spring-heeled” horseshoe.
“The revolutionary shoes are made from a special lightweight metal and feature unique coiled springs in the heels to help horses reach new height in the jumping arena,” read the “report”.
