CATEGORIES
7 ways top riders deal with nerves
Even the world’s elite riders aren’t immune to competition nerves. Martha Terry discovers how they channel their jitters into a winning performance
A Post-Covid World May Give Fresh Opportunities For Sector
Equestrian businesses could benefit from an increase in interest as a result of restrictions
Mistral Højris
Naturally blessed with athleticism and presence, the striking Michellino gelding overcame stage fright with the help of Laura Tomlinson to join the top flight and take his place in British dressage history. Polly Bryan charts his story
Paisley Park is prince of the pack
The popular son of Oscar shows his stamina as he refuses to be beaten, and the Dan Skelton-trained My Drogo shows potential to be up there with the best
Natasha Baker
The Paralympic gold medallist on keeping an open mind, the value of TRT training and which grand prix horse would be perfect for para dressage
Disckoboy does the double
The grand prix produces an end-of-season test for the 21 contenders as Olli Fletcher dominates the top classes
Mike Felton
One of the country’s most experienced masters, Mike Felton is an integral part of the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale. Tessa Waugh meets him
Jessica Burke
How did a Galway maths teacher become the hottest new name on the international showjumping circuit? Jennifer Donald finds out
Christmas magic
Boxing Day may be hunting’s most visible day of the season, but there’s something magical about hunting on Christmas Eve – even if things don’t go to plan, says Frank Houghton Brown
Be kind to yourself
Tessa Waugh’s first post-lockdown meet is a tense affair on pent-up horses, and she resolves to revise her typically manic Christmas schedule to involve some genuine festive downtime
A gift horse...
Many children dream of unwrapping a pony at Christmas time – even if they’re in for a rocky ride. Eleanor Jones meets the lucky few whose wishes came true
Tamarillo
Known for his quirky attitude, this spooky part-bred Arab proved brilliantly athletic after a sticky start. Catherine Austen pays homage to this class act
‘A blur of galloping and jumping'
These characterful bloodhounds put on a fastpaced day for the enthusiastic field, with plenty of jumping and fun to be had by everyone
‘This was a Christmas miracle'
Carl Hester reflects on a very special national championships in tough times
Imperial Aura
The Cheltenham Festival winner is an “absolute gentleman” and a careful jumper who loves to show off, as his connections tell Hannah Lemieux
Enough
Owners are urged to act to help bring an end to fireworks’ devastation
Staying in the plate
It’s an honour to ride other people’s horses as hunting correspondent, says former H&H editor Michael Clayton, but definitely a risky business
Nicol gives a Winning performance
Carron Nicol leads over a tough grand prix course, while a daring turn pays off for a competitive Joe Trunkfield
Perfect Priscilla reigns supreme
Show animals of the future ensure they’re heading into the 2021 term with overall accolades to their names
Nativity play producer
Henrietta Fiddian-Green organises animals in a bonanza nativity play, which draws thousands to the Surrey Hills
Odin
This “unbelievable” horse could get out of any trouble, carrying huntsman Gary Boon safely through trappy country
Kirsty Aird
The Scottish show producer and showjumper on parting with perfectionism, the importance of quality feeding and her superstitious habit
‘A real people person'
With 17 years as secretary of the Beaufort, Nigel Maidment is a much-loved face on the hunting field. Catherine Austen chats to his connections
Hollie Doyle
The golden girl of racing talks to Martha Terry about smashing records and dead-lifting 125kg, her partner in crime and enjoying anonymity offthe track
Friend or foe?
It worked for our horses’ wild ancestors, but is it wise to co-graze equines and livestock today? Peter Green MRCVS discusses the pros and cons
A tale of two Christmases
H&H’s inaugural Christmas shortstory competition produced a feast of wintry tales for the judges, from the poignant to the ghostly to the downright funny. Here are our two winners
Sonnar Murray-Brown
The international dressage rider tells Polly Bryan how he has rebuilt his career following catastrophic injury
Totilas
The black stallion and his phenomenal scores lit up the dressage world. Alice Collins tracks his path to fame and the story behind his high-profile sale
Livanos leads the way
A young rider recovers from a rare condition to take grand prix victory, while international prospects excel
Mad Max
Powerful but “a pussycat around the hounds”, this “reformed character” thrives on being one of the pack