CATEGORIES

Home safe

A stable may be a comfortable and sheltered environment for a horse, but can also present various hazards. Kieran O'Brien MRCVS details how to avoid potential stable injuries

'Considered talk, not rushed rules'

Make changes carefully or risk the consequences, says Mark Phillips

Peak performance

Vets provide a vital service at equine events, but it’s always possible to fine-tune emergency response. Professor Patrick Pollock FRCVS explains the benefit of tailored incident management training

What makes a top event rider?

A touch of talent, a particular personality or just lots of hard work Luz Wollocombe finds out what needs to be in the melting pot for a rider to become a five-star winner or eventing world number one

ITV Racing presenter

This week, Alice Plunkett is part of the BAFTA-winning ITV Racing team showcasing the Grand National to nearly 10 million viewers. She reveals a chaotic moment off air, juggling domesticity and the time she was lost for words.

Sharon and Sarah Harrison

The STARS Championships are fast becoming a pinnacle of the grassroots showing calendar. Tricia Johnson speaks to the women at the show’s helm

'I said it won't be life changing, but it was

Ahead of Saturday's Randox Grand National at Aintree, Jennifer Donald finds out what it means to win the world's greatest steeplechase

Para classification is unfair'

Natasha Baker discusses the need to level up classifications in para dressage

Joined-up approach needed to improve animal welfare

MPs and animal charities are looking at how better to enforce welfare law

Research looks at horses’ genes and stress response

The study may help to identify horses who need a different training style

Officials raise major concerns about the way they are treated

Calls have been made for the FEI to put in place clear sanctions and rules to protect officials

Gene-editing law paves way for tech to be used in animals

The legislation only applies to plants at present, but there is provision to explore how it could apply to animals

New dressage rule means fewer riders in top classes

The FEI has increased the qualifying score for progression in four- and five-star international dressage competitions

Eventing comes together to discuss the sport's future

After the wet spring wreaked havoc, a meeting was called at Thoresby on the way forward

Engelmann strikes again

Saffron Walden RC remain the team to beat, while native ponies take top spoils in the junior classes

Seven-year-old sensation springs another surprise

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Annabel Widdowson will now have two rides in Hickstead’s 128cm winter final, after piloting the great Whinney Lass to a win with the sole double clear.

'It's time to see what he's made of

Tony Pearson pilots a very exciting new ride to victory and a sensational seven-year-old's winning streak continues

Racing to glory

RoR classes have seen a huge rise in popularity, but where was the idea of showing racehorses born and how have classes changed to meet demand?

Luck, skill - or just deep pockets?

If you're looking to buy a show horse but have no clue where to start, Tricia Johnson asks the best in the showing business for some insight into where they go to find their top stars

Farm ride organiser

Jackie Howard-Jones has made a success of farm diversification by offering rides in the glorious Chilterns

Gaspard Maksud

The French rookie burst onto the championship scene in Pratoni, and now looks set to spearhead the home team in the build-up to Paris 2024. Martha Terry meets Gaspard Maksud and his beloved mare, Zaragoza

'We all stood in awe'

Kim Bailey reflects on a vintage Cheltenham, but warns of Irish domination

'Enjoy showing, don't endure it'

Simon Reynolds flags up some changes as the showing season begins

A week of feeling all the emotions

Piggy March loses a special home-bred and retires a stalwart from top level

New campaigns to help improve rider road safety

A county council is displaying posters, as the Government launches a new safety initiative for rural roads

Riders seek true connection, which may not always be best

An anthropologist delves into why riders want to know and be known so well by their horses

Pidgley produces a clean sweep

Annabella Pidgley dominates on all three of her horses, while upcoming stars and old hands shine at grand prix

'We'll be hard pushed to experience a better week'

From Honeysuckle's emotional farewell to Constitution Hill's nine-length victory and a Gold Cup to relish, this was an unforgettable Cheltenham Festival.

Dujardin Excels

The ever-adorable Gio scores a personal best under Charlotte Dujardin, on an inspiring evening at the show’s new home

Happy Christmas, everyone

The festive season brings mixed feelings for Tessa Waugh, although the school nativity play proves a hit and Father Christmas makes an unexpected appearance in a local town