A rider who sustained serious injury in a rotational fall during an arena cross-country lesson has thanked the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance [HIOWAA] and NHS for their care. Jo Dunn (pictured, top) and her mare, Maggie, had been going well until they had a horror fall at a table about halfway through the session. The HIOWAA doctor and paramedics worked with the ground medics to stabilise Jo, before she was taken to University Hospital Southampton via land ambulance, where she spent 11 days with delayed concussion, a dislocated elbow, and two ruptured discs. Jo, who is back riding and competing in dressage, said: “Maggie had a few months of field rest as I was recovering; during this time she received physio treatment alongside her veterinary treatment. She was given a full clean bill of health and I was able to start bringing her back into work. I am thankful that neither Maggie nor I sustained life-changing injuries.” She has shared her story as part of Air Ambulance Week (9 to 15 September), which aims to raise funding for and awareness of the service.
Long-serving Household Cavalry charger Atticus retired from duty after 14 years in a fitting ceremony at Defender Burghley Horse Trials. The Irish-bred 18-year-old will enjoy his senior years at The Horse Trust. A spokesperson for the Household Division said that Atticus had been ridden by Foot Guards officers in many key positions on parade. “His calm and quiet temperament, along with his dignified presence, made him a standout at some of the UK’s most significant royal and military events,” he added.
Irish Olympic dressage rider Abi Lyle reflects on her time at the Paris 2024 Games with Giraldo (“Arty”) in an exclusive article for H&H subscribers. “Someone asked me when did I know Arty would be capable of this, and it’s weird because I always knew he would, but equally I didn’t care because if this never happened with him I’d feel exactly the same about him. We’re bezzie mates, I absolutely worship him and always have since he was four,” said Abi.
To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the National Dressage Championships, Blenheim Horse Trials, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
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
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
