Horse & Hound

Every week Horse & Hound brings horse lovers up-to-date with the latest news and event reports and provides expert equestrian advice on subjects including training and horse care, the latest equine products and feed. The weekly features inform and entertain inspiring readers to go out and ride to improve their horsemanship in every discipline from eventing to show jumping, dressage to showing, polo and hunting. It is also the must read for anyone wanting to buy or sell a horse.

Bridleless

All to play for in World Champs team selection • H&H experts look at who is most likely to be flying the British flag in Aachen this summer

Events step up vaccination checks as flu outbreaks rise • Checking passports for vaccination status is being ramped up at shows as outbreaks continue around the country

HORSES IN THE NEWS

IN BRIEF

First bridleless show helps inspire change • The first fully bridleless competition in the UK has made waves across the horse world - and it is just the beginning

Communication, challenging ourselves and humility are key • Experts debated findings from the latest survey on the perception of the involvement of horses in sport

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

GOOD WEEK BAD WEEK

Fears for Dartmoor hill ponies’ future in Government quotas • Campaigners say new Government contracts could mean between 60% and 90% of hill ponies are culled

And finally… a living legend

LETTERS

Horse & Hound

‘Clears shouldn’t be automatic’ • Andrew Nicholson analyses course-design trends from this spring

‘The results tell a different story’ • Rebecca Penny on amateurs beating professionals and refreshing results

Access all areas: Hickstead showground • From a seed trifecta engineered for optimum bounce to a bank “jacket” courtesy of The Crown, Eleanor Jones investigates how Hickstead perfects its state-of-the-art grounds

The tale of the missing poles

Who might be lining up in 2026?

How to follow with H&H

Shire horse judge • David Shardlow on his generational connection with Shires, trusting his eye and a charity biking adventure

Fantabulous • Trained almost entirely to the voice, Fantabulous has, with Jemima Green, built one of British para dressage’s most exciting partnerships in just two seasons. Oscar Williams explores their bond

Trainer Georgie Nicholls

To shoe or not to shoe • There is much nuance around the barefoot debate, with many factors to consider. Edward Busuttil MRCVS assesses what suits the modern sport horse

Everyday comfort • Time to update or refresh your wardrobe? Treat yourself to comfortable, confident riding in a pair of these breeches that are perfect for training in

Fame still rising • Fame produces a freestyle just shy of his personal best as Carl Hester signals championship form, with the battle to make the British team hotting up behind

THE RACE FOR A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SPOT

Christmas arrives in June • Aidan O’Brien saddles a 50th British Classic winner, the day after son Joseph delivers a first Oaks success

WHAT HAPPENED TO DERBY FAVOURITE BENVENUTO CELLINI?

WINNING £20,000 PURCHASE “LOOKS VERY CHEAP!”

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

FINISH OF THE WEEK

YOU NEED “A BIT OF LUCK” AND BRAVE TACTICS

BOTSARIS LANDS A DOUBLE

Stevens Flashes to victory • A British pair show their colours ahead of World Championship selection, while at grassroots level hard-working amateurs and young riders win

“INITIALLY HE WAS A SCAREDY PANTS ACROSS COUNTRY”

Welsh cob wins for 12-year-old

NOT TOO TAXING FOR MASON

Go on my Son! • Fergal Holohan lands a winning double and an eye-catching young mare continues her...