There will be no Chatsworth International Horse Trials next year, as organisers hope for a “stronger than ever” event in 2026. After two very difficult years caused by adverse weather, organisers have been working with British Eventing to try to find a date later in the season, but as planning for next year’s calendar is well under way, it has been decided that Chatsworth will “opt out” for 2025, as it is “committed to finding the best course of action to secure its future”.
A rider who suffered a serious eye injury in a freak accident on the gallops said she will always now wear goggles for such canter work. Helen Gordon hopes sharing her story will encourage others to consider eye protection. She was a safe distance from the horse in front but it kicked up what she believes was a flint, and which cut her eye open. “I just felt excruciating pain; I’ve never felt anything like it,” Helen said. “I didn’t see it flying towards me but it went straight into my eye socket.”
British Equestrian (BEF) has published its new diversity and inclusion action plan, a “crucial step towards ensuring a more inclusive and equitable future for equestrian sport”. The aim of the plan, which comes from the BEF’s “horses for all” research, is to address barriers to participation in equestrianism, and promote diversity across the industry. “Everyone, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to participate in equestrianism and feel welcomed and valued,” said BEF head of participation and development Mandana Mehran Pour.
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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.
