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.

Aiming high

Equine vision is at risk from growing antibiotic resistance • Research has found resistant eye infections are threatening animals’ sight - prevention is key

Riders urged to consults vets rather than AI after concerning survey • RSPCA research has found that 10% of owners routinely use artificial intelligence for advice on their animals’ care

HORSES IN THE NEWS

MPs debate call for public list and life bans for abuse • Parliament has debated a petition signed by thousands calling for a national register of those who abuse animals

IN BRIEF

Efforts to boost para jumping as opportunities have declined • Riders say their sport has declined since Covid, but new efforts are being made to promote it

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Thousands back calls to save the hill ponies • Although politicians have condemned any cull, action is yet to be taken

GOOD WEEK

BAD WEEK

Hickstead Derby hero retires aged 20 to live with his old friends • Gentlemen VH Veldhof has bowed out on a high to live with one of his first riders and a horse he grew up with

And finally… foal!

LETTERS

H&H FROM THE ARCHIVES

Horse & Hound

‘Who gets the Aachen call-up?’ • Pippa Roome assesses the line-up for British World Championship selection

‘We must adapt to face challenges’ • Vicky Smith on travelling horses, bitless bridles and hot competitions

Rachel Turner • The working hunter star has picked up where she left off last season with championship tickets already in the bag. Rachel Turner reflects on starting out on a shoestring, building struggling rider confidence and the superstitious streak that channels her quest for a major win with the horses

On the record

Horses to watch

Showjumping commentator • Phil Ghazala on how an article in H&H led to an accidental career move, why his favourite horse isn't a showjumper and how sometimes silence is golden, even for a commentator

Lostock Up Till Dark • This special mare is winning as a coloured pony as well as in hack ranks. Bethan Simons meets her

Does it hurt? • Key to effective pain management for horses is recognising the signs. Karen Coumbe MRCVS explains what they are, and how to respond

Assess first, pain relief second

Extra oomph • Fuel a heavier workload safely with this selection of bucket feeds, specifically formulated to support horses with elevated energy requirements

‘He keeps surprising me’ • Jack Whitaker pays tribute to the horse who has kept his career on the road, while Holly Smith continues her stellar form

“SHE'S A GOOD MARE”

Cicerouna rises to the top • Robert Bevis enjoys success both in the saddle and as a trainer, as big classes offer plenty of excitement

“EVERYTHING CAME TOGETHER”

Top Gun finds the need for speed • Laura Renwick's blue-blooded home-bred scorches to victory and a champion six-year-old continues to show promise

‘He's a bit of a freak’

“MY COMPETITIVE SPIRIT KICKED IN”

‘He's a fighter’ • There's an emotional prize-giving for Brazil's Stephan de Freitas Barcha as he enjoys his first five-star grand prix win

SPRUCE DELIVERS A DIFFERENT SPORT

‘There's much more to come’...