AT the height of 1980s trade union disruption, Horse Hound's editorial team joined the National Union of Journalists in a walkout to support the miners' strike. I recall the late Michael Clayton, our editor, reproaching us for losing an issue something "Hitler's bombs" never achieved.
It is office legend that H&H reached the news stands every Friday throughout the 1939-45 war. Now, recently unearthed documents provide further insight into the efforts of a depleted team to keep H&H alive when other periodicals gave up, despite numerous setbacks including losing its beloved editor in the Blitz.
In September 1939, Britain declared war on Germany, which had invaded Poland. Until then, H&H had been doing well under its editor and proprietor Arthur Portman, son of the founder and a renowned racing journalist. It sold 22,000 copies a week, with advertising revenue improving following the appointment in 1933 of Walter Case as commercial manager and company secretary; he earned 20% commission on new business.
“Overnight there was more or less nothing to report”
IN those days, military personnel were the backbone of most elite equestrian sport. So when this vast cohort disappeared to fight, soon joined by thousands of civilian volunteers, precious few top-level riders, jockeys, polo players, organisers or judges remained to service the main domestic events.
All international shows were cancelled in Nazi-occupied Europe, with no more Olympic Games until 1948. Overnight there was more or less nothing to report until some activity quietly resumed in 1943 (including the new "Wings for Victory" show approved by The King, which we now know as Royal Windsor).
Denne historien er fra June 06, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra June 06, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions