CATEGORIES

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

‘We need to rewrite the rules'

Carl Hester discusses the issues involved in transporting horses post-Brexit

‘The next few months are crucial'

Kim Bailey ponders a depressing Cheltenham Festival without owners

‘Loving your mare isn't enough to breed'

Katie Jerram-Hunnable on how Covid has affected breeding and sales

The first word

A competition debrief helps a rider assimilate their experience, and provides valuable team information. Ellie Hughes talks tactics to riders and coaches

Liz Halliday-Sharp

The US event rider learnt her equestrian trade in Britain – and her mental strength in a racing car. She talks to Pippa Roome

Equine America Billy Diamo

William Funnell describes his Olympic shortlisted 18.2hh home-bred as “the best I ever had”. Jennifer Donald finds out more about this loveable gentle giant with a playful streak

Access All Areas Spencer Wilton

After relocating to a stunning new base in Gloucestershire, Spencer Wilton is as ambitious as ever and gearing up for a big year in 2021, finds Polly Bryan

7 Principles Of Starting Young Horses

A sound foundation is essential for young horses, regardless of which discipline they follow. Alice Collins finds out how the Billy babies start out

Jessica And Rebecca Ely

Alex Robinson meets two up-and-coming equestrians who are garnering attention in the show ring with their eye for detail and talent in the saddle

‘A blissful landing'

In the face of dark evenings and home schooling, a weekend ride in the snow with the children lifts the spirits, says Tessa Waugh, despite a tumble and the prospect of retrieving a runaway pony