CATEGORIES

The end could be nigh for compulsory spurs at FEI

A proposal for dressage riders to be allowed to compete without spurs has FEI backing in the 2024 rule revisions

New group set up to tackle unsuitably mounted riders

The working group aims to tackle what can be a sensitive issue, across the industry

Top pointing jockeys, trainers and horses of the year named

Top riders Will Biddick and Gina Andrews have taken their eighth and 10th championship titles respectively

Policy review as new injury data published

The FEI and British Equestrian welcome a new concussion statement

Major census of thoroughbreds to benefit entire British herd

The aim is to help improve the traceability of horses after their retirement from the racecourse

Ridden evaluations are key in poor performance investigations

A study has highlighted why horses should be ridden when being assessed for performance and slight lameness issues

Oversized riders asked to dismount at major show

Royal Three Counties followed Great Yorkshire’s lead with its “suitably mounted” rule

Mozart makes sweet music

A future ridden hack takes the top in-hand spoils, while an Arab mare in her first open season books her first-ever Birmingham spot under saddle

'Bert was incredible'

A six-year-old HOYS qualifier debutant, two versatile Exmoor ponies and a Connemara with look-at-me factor steal the show

Coco finds his courage

An amateur rider makes headway at grand prix, while a traditional cob and an Irish Draught maintain their good form

'Above all, he was a master of hounds'

Cecil Aldin is among the best-loved of sporting artists, and his hunting credentials were ‘impeccable’, as his fellow painter Liam Clancy explains

A bloody nose

Nosebleeds may be more of a visual shock than anything else, but they can also be a sign of something serious. Sara Kent MRCVS explains

Mentor and trainer

Gill Watson on her surprise Burghley win, crossing the Iron Curtain and the joy of seeing riders rise through the ranks

Tommy Beresford

With a Westchester Cup victory against the USA on his debut as England captain, polo player Tommy Beresford tells Sarah Eakin about grafting that win and the heritage of some special ponies

'Selectors rather than computers'

Mark Phillips muses on a spring season that has been far from normal

Eilberg excels

Michael Eilberg dominates across the levels with four exciting horses who are coming into their own, while an inter I winner returns from surgery

Mayflower's time to bloom

A home-produced mare gives her connections the shock of their lives when she stands at the top of the HOYS in-hand supreme championship

'They both played a blinder'

The spotlight falls on both Frankie Dettori and The King, and any punters who picked out winning 150/1 shot Valiant Force were richly rewarded

'Words can't describe this'

Ireland’s David Simpson and his eight-yearold Derby debutant stallion just deny William Funnell a record fifth Derby success in one of the greatest jump-offs in Hickstead Derby history

Carrot tops it off

The championships are awarded to the Beaufort and Heythrop, but local packs also shine at Ardingly

'He felt like he was on air'

A hack wows to win the prestigious Queen’s Cup award, a part-bred Arab is off to HOYS in-hand and a working hunter will make his NEC debut in October

Therapy pony handler

Sarah Woodland and her five Dinky Ponies bring a little joy to those facing challenging times, sadness or loneliness

Access all areas Robert Walker

He’s a legend in the world of show hunters, but how does the producer achieve such consistent results year after year? Alex Robinson meets him at home to find out

'You value these big wins more'

William Funnell’s insight into riding round Hickstead and team horsepower

'Will the double bridle disappear?'

Laura Tomlinson on snaffles at grand prix and the impact of social licence

'One of the best I've ever had

A seven-year-old impresses for Thomas Whitaker while a barefoot five-year-old makes a near clean sweep

Wyoming leaves his rivals for dust

Tony Pearson scores a poignant win on Father’s Day and a winning mare has amassed quite a fan club

Happy Boy, happy life

A prolific speed horse excels in the one-star classes, while Olivia Banks scores an impressive double and family ties prove fruitful in the mini major

'Freakishly' talented stallion steals the show

Ireland’s Billy Twomey claims an emotional grand prix victory for his stallion’s late owner, chased home by a breakthrough star, sealing an action-packed show

Vet puts her foot down

A Connemara not renowned for speed and a new family horse out for a test drive are among the winners