Horse & Hound

Published by TI Media Limited 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.

A spot of 'genius'

Lack of turnout and knowledge drive the new equine crisis • A major report has found that the welfare needs of most horses in England and Wales are not being met

Top stud withdraws from dressage as equine welfare work continues • Blue Hors is taking a break from competition while a new framework for horse welfare in sport is in development

IN THE NEWS

IN BRIEF

OBITUARIES

Calls for change on welfare law as current systems are failing • The Government has been urged to review the enforcement of welfare law as the system is “lacking”

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Delight as paid-for riding permits axed • A public review has led to a significant increase in riders’ access to woodlands

GOOD WEEK BAD WEEK

Driver who killed 'pony in a million' is sent to prison • A van driver who hit a child’s pony on the road, causing a catastrophic injury, was disqualified at the time

And finally… cake!

LETTERS

Horse & Hound

'This feels like a retrograde step' • Under-25 championships, strategy and showcases are on Mark Phillips’ mind

'What does this season have in store?' • Stuart Hollings reflects on 2024, and what HOYS rule changes might mean

'A decision that could change your future' • Davy Russell rides an emotional rollercoaster at an “extraordinary” Festival

Frédérique Reffet Plantier • Safety and the sport’s sustainability are high on the agenda as the new eventing director settles into her dream job. Lucy Elder finds out more

Long-distance rider • Louis D Hall on the tragedy that inspired him to set up a charity, The Big Hoof, how horse travel blows his mind - and why we should let go of whatever is holding us back

Kojak • The connections of last year’s Blenheim young horse championship runner-up talk to Pippa Roome

Rewards and consequences • Last week Gemma Pearson FRCVS explained how the first two levels of learning theory apply to horses. The third, operant conditioning, is examined here

Keep calm and clicker train

Uniquely unusual • These characterful equestrian homes each offer something a little different

Just the jacket • Sport-focused, yet sophisticated and streamlined. Dress to impress the judges this season with one of these technical competition jackets

Boost your green credentials • Equestrians rely on nature in all aspects of management, but how can we protect it from the effects of climate change? Bethany Stone examines the impact of our buying habits

Make small changes

The water problem

BIT for purpose • When choosing a bit, you should always think about the mouthpiece material as well as the fit. Becky Murray speaks to bit manufacturers to get a better understanding of modern materials

When bitting becomes a safety issue

Great Scott! • From Tuesday’s dramatic Champion Hurdle to Friday’s coronation of a new Gold Cup hero with a rollercoaster of emotions in-between, the 2025 Cheltenham Festival was a masterpiece of unpredictability, magic and sporting triumphs

TALKING POINT

"THE STARS WERE ALIGNED"

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I couldn't believe I...