Laura Collett riding MR BASS in the Adv Section O during the Belton Horse Trials, in the grounds of Belton House near Grantham in Lincolnshire, UK on 17th April 2016
Team Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett’s popular five-star partner Mr Bass has been retired from eventing aged just 13. The horse who Laura describes as her “best friend” sustained a tendon injury during the cross-country phase at Badminton in 2019. He made a full recovery and came back to the sport at top level, helping Britain take the honours in the CCIO4*-S Nations Cup in Aachen in September, finishing fourth individually. But sadly the injury has recently returned. Though the injury is not “too bad”, the rider and his connections have decided it is not worth risking. “The worry with bringing him back is that it could lead to a catastrophic injury and we’re not willing to put him in that position,” said Laura. “Obviously it’s a massive blow. He’s been a big part of my career; I’ve had him since he was a four-year-old and he’s just one of those horses that makes you feel like you can ride!” The right decision, however disapointing for all concerned and the horse’s many fans.
2. Reaction to riding being dropped from modern pentathlon
Pentathlon GB is understandably saddened that the world governing body UIPM has announced riding will be dropped after the Paris Olympics. Pentathlon GB chairman David Armstrong said: “This is a sad day for modern pentathlon. Many of our athletes came into the sport from an equestrian background and have a proud tradition as accomplished and keen riders.” And this is the thing. Though for years there have been complaints about the standard of riding from some competitors in the modern pentathlon, there are teams and individuals who are incredibly accomplished riders and who have proven their ability as ultimate athletes, including as riders. Is it simply the case that riding is inaccessible for too many nations to make the sport viable? Or could the steps being proposed by the sport’s riding working group in recent weeks have made the difference needed to keep modern pentathlon in the Olympics and showjumping in modern pentathlon? Now we will never know.
A mini cob colt has been wearing his poppy with pride this season — because it forms part of his unusual markings. Thirteen-month-old Dennis the Menace is described as having both a remembrance poppy and kneeling soldier in the pattern on his back. And he has won every class he is eligible for at riding club level. “Quite a few people notice his markings, especially when I show him in hand, where plenty of people comment on it. Obviously it catches the judges’ attention as well,” his owner Sean Witham told H&H. “I have had people asking for photos with him as the markings look like the war memorial. Lest we forget.”
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.
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.
