CATEGORIES

‘Racing is what we're born and reared to do'

Davy Russell reflects on Ireland’s dominance at this year’s Festival

Dream shopping trips

It’s hard enough to find one good horse – but occasionally you hit the jackpot and find two stars at the same time. Victoria Goff tracks down some people who have been lucky enough to do just that…

Help to recognise equine discomfort

The creators of a new ethogram hope to promote better understanding of behaviours that indicate possible issues

Erlentanz TSF

Polly Bryan hears more about the expressive Trakehner gelding who has become one of Britain’s very best grand prix horses

All hail the DPD driver

You know that frustration has set in, says Tessa Waugh, when tracking the delivery driver and digging the car out of a snowdrift become sources of great excitement and adventure

Hope for change as EU travel remains ‘fraught'

Transporters have been updated on work being undertaken to try to ease the issues created by Brexit

Jerich Parzival

With patience and perseverance, this superscared legend went from unrideable to a medalwinning machine who conquered the world, discovers Alice Collins

Philip Ward-Burton

Leading in-hand specialist Philip-Ward Burton talks to Alex Robinson about how he runs his one-man band – and doubling for Mel Gibson

Long-Distance Rider

Gillian Larson on chasing a bear, the joy of a “boring day” and dealing with mudslides in her underwear

‘A clear-round machine'

Pippa Roome finds out more about Je T’Aime Flamenco, the world-class showjumping stallion being made available for breeders on a budget

Rafeekah

At only six years old, the striking grey Arab gelding landed his first Horse of the Year Show title. Alex Robinson meets the connections of this all-round superstar with plenty left to give

Strike action

Sharp contact between a hind hoof and a foreleg can cause significant injury, as Dr David Stack MRCVS explains

‘I'm feeling treacherous'

As Tessa Waugh wrestles with the mixed emotions of moving a pony on and the end of an era, she takes heart in knowing she couldn’t wish for a better new home for Rusty

Quality over quantity

Polly Bryan meets Waverley Stud’s Sara Longworth, and finds a shrewd breeder whose modest operation is punching above its weight

The work-life balance

With horses taking priority, time off is often seen as a luxury, not a necessity, for most professional riders. Ellie Hughes chats to those who do make time for themselves and their family, and finds out how they do it

Sky

The “ugly duckling” with a huge jump who turned into a superb hunter and a top show horse

Happy endings

The monthly insurance bill seems like yet another drain on resources, until disaster strikes. Emily Bevan discovers when having insurance has saved the day

‘A Good Start In Life 100% Bears Fruit'

Gold Cup winners See More Business and Cool Dawn, and 2020 runner-up Santini all began their journeys on a British point-to-point field. Lucy Elder looks at recent graduates who could be the rising stars of Cheltenham

Digital Dressage Trainer

Online dressage trainer Peter Dove on the value of digital lessons, explaining the jargon – and the thrill of live magic

‘It will mean more to me to win at Cheltenham now'

Trainer Kim Bailey has shown the “survival instincts of a fox” since completing a Gold Cup/Champion Hurdle double in 1995, as Julian Muscat finds out

Hidden talents

From horticulture to piano-playing, sculpting and plastering, Britain’s huntsmen have skills that might surprise you, says the Beaufort’s Matt Ramsden

Jack Andrews

The reigning men’s point-to-point champion jockey is shaking off the shackles of having famous sisters to chase some major ambitions, finds Gemma Redrup

Charlotte Hignett

Whether it is fundraising, taking children under her wing or helping out with the skinning, this Fernie “good egg” is always on hand to help

‘I'd ride Master Craftsman at Burghley…'

Take six top riders and ask what their fantasy competition would be – their horse, the venue, their team-mates and who joins them on the podium. Pippa Roome delves into the world of imaginary eventing

Captain

“He’s one in a million”, says this Cheltenham Festival-bound National Hunt jockey about the horse who’s as good on the moor as he is over a huge hedge

‘We are a force to be reckoned with'

The Nations Cup title goes to the home side, with team debutante Bliss Heers producing a double clear, while Germany’s Daniel Duesser enjoys grand prix spoils

A heart at 96% capacity

How fit do you need to be to ride cross-country? Sport scientist Rosa Dakin tackles this question and what you can do to prepare yourself for the challenge

Not A Creature Was Stirring…

…until late at night, when a horse showed signs of colic. Andrea Oakes discovers what happens when illness or injury occurs “out of hours”

Allister Hood

The legendary showman on embracing the journey, his collecting ring assessments and why he’s always watching and learning

Stunt double

Amy Obiajulu on taking a break from prison work to star in Wonder Woman 1984, and how she deals with stress