CATEGORIES

Changes on the cards in international eventing

The FEI has put forward plans to adapt eligibility, course-design and returning to play

Brilliant bronze – and more to come

Britain’s success in Tokyo with three upcoming horses offers a taster of what’s still to come, while Germany claim gold – but change is afoot

‘I worshipped the ground she walked on'

It’s easy to feel isolated in the horseworld, and many pros turn to a mentor for guidance. Kate Johnson speaks to those who have reaped the benefits

Mollie Summerland

From living in her horsebox to being “on top of the world”, the youngest-ever winner of the Luhmühlen CCI5* has learnt to take the rough with the smooth, says Martha Terry

Vet who fabricated Home Office letter is struck off

Dr Sue Dyson was found to have committed disgraceful conduct in a professional respect at a disciplinary hearing

Living the Swiss Tokyo dream

Andrew Nicholson reflects on Barbury and going to the Olympics as a coach

Valdecaz is the finest

The HOYS qualifying circuit storms on, as more riders and their steeds capture coveted spots to the anticipated final

Fairytale win for perfect filly

A coloured horse defies the formbook, a Connemara is supreme native and a novice working hunter displays ability and potential

Toy entrepreneur

Karen Clithero has revolutionised the soft toy market, turning her Crafty Ponies into widely acclaimed creative play products, with some very famous fans

Honour roll for amateur's star

An amateur rider lifts her first-ever supreme championship, fresh-faced novices learn their trade and a young Irish Draught scoops the top in-hand accolade

Durable

This dreamy grand prix stallion has a temperament to die for and still amazes his rider every day, finds Polly Bryan

Are You Sitting Comfortably?

So your saddle fits your horse to perfection, but does it fit you? Leslie Bliss finds out why it is crucial to make sure this key piece of equipment is as comfortable for the rider as it is for the horse

Running out of steam?

What could be behind a horse’s failure to develop or maintain fitness as expected? Andrea Oakes investigates

‘He's done everything for me'

A partnership’s journey from novice to inter I results in a national title, while Scottish riders and unconventional breeds prosper, and young riders shine

Record royal run for Walker

The hunter of the circuit achieves a rare hat-trick, a seasoned mare tops the riding horses and top cobs do battle for the overall championship

Pony centre manager

Natalie O’Rourke heads up a community pony centre that became known as the “National Horse Service” during lockdown, raising spirits all around London

Bojangles produces heartfelt victory

True home-producers shine on board hunters and a hack bounces back after being diagnosed with a bone cyst

Princess Bella claims her crown

Alice Oppenheimer and her delightful home-bred mare dance their way to a freestyle double, while two other riders end a run of near misses to reach the top of the podium

Maher lines up Tokyo

Explosion W shows fantastic form at this rescheduled show, taking the feature class in the week his Tokyo Olympic selection is formalised

Big performance from Tiny Dancer

Despite low entries in the plaited ranks, there is quality in abundance and top-class combinations lift major titles

Falcon by name and nature

Hairies land two of the four main native championships, while a Connemara reigns in-hand and a home-produced Welsh is crowned top mini

New engagement for prolific hunter

A side-saddle pilot books a HOYS slot on her first attempt while a New Forest stallion stands in-hand supreme

‘What a small world we live in'

Discovering that a new loan pony for Jack has already successfully done the rounds with other children is a promising sign for Tessa Waugh, as she sets about sprucing up stables for senior camp

Bates bags first big win

A first-time international winner takes the feature class, while Jem Rose hits new heights

Royal Windsor farrier

Chris Carrel on shoeing horses for The Queen, the army and competitive stars, and his sideline of upcycling old horseshoes into touching mementoes

Ladies in waiting

A woman is yet to claim individual Olympic gold in either eventing or showjumping. Andrea Oakes investigates the reasons behind this

If the shoe fits...

Alex Robinson asks leading farriers how they shoe for specific disciplines to give the horse a winning edge

Britain To Win – But Don't Relax

The new format means anything could happen, but Britain should be strong, says H&H eventing editor Pippa Roome

Ponies are our nemesis

Entrusting the most precious thing you have on this earth to a pony is stressful, especially when the said pony is so obviously in charge of its middle-aged minder, realizes Tessa Waugh

Underdog mare rules

A small-time rider and breeder set the standard, as top riders and stable jockeys both enjoy success