CATEGORIES

Household Cavalry riding instructor

Lance Corporal of Horse Liana Nicholas on being the Household Cavalry’s first female riding instructor, guarding The Queen, and teaching recruits how to pick out a hoof

Industry condemns welfare issues in slaughterhouse footage

Racing and the wider horse-world have spoken out on images seen in a BBC TV documentary

‘Is the mark system failing us?'

Rebecca Penny analyses changes to the 2021 RIHS pony qualifying format

Hello Jefferson

Scott Brash’s Olympic ride “Jezza” is the horse Nick Skelton would have been tempted out of retirement for, boasting a spectacular jump and bundles of charisma, as Jennifer Donald finds out

Five years on, rider size policy is making change

At this year’s Great Yorkshire Show, no rider was seen on a mount for whom they were inappropriately sized

Bronze for Britain

Carl Hester, Lottie Fry and Charlotte Dujardin pull out all the stops in a Tokyo thriller

Changes on the cards in international eventing

The FEI has put forward plans to adapt eligibility, course-design and returning to play

Brilliant bronze – and more to come

Britain’s success in Tokyo with three upcoming horses offers a taster of what’s still to come, while Germany claim gold – but change is afoot

DUNE BUGS

Corrugated sand spanning some 20km fringes the Sefton Coast in Merseyside. It’s the UK’s largest undeveloped dune system – bustling with rare insects, reptiles and amphibians – and is the focus of a major conservation project.

MIKE DILGER'S WILDLIFE WATCHING

In his series of great places to watch wildlife in the UK, the star of BBC One’s The One Show this month heeds the call of canal towpaths, with their rich abundance of plant, animal and aquatic life – from kingfishers to water voles.

Hidden BRITAIN

NICK BAKER Reveals a fascinating world of wildlife that we often overlook.

MY WAY OF THINKING MARK CARWARDINE

The conservationist discusses the tricky problem faced by New Zealand when it comes to the harm caused by non-native hedgehogs.

NOW YOU SEE ME...

Some animals use colour change to blend into the background; for others it is a powerful form of communication. But how exactly do they do it?

Protect the protectors

Rangers are nature’s first responders. They risk their lives to protect our planet, yet some don’t even own a pair of boots. So, why are rangers not respected and supported? And what’s being done about it?

The mouse map

The harvest mouse is the smallest and least known of all British rodents, mainly because it is so difficult to find. A five-year citizen science survey in Kent is revealing valuable new information.

WILDMONTH

Flowers are blooming and butterflies and bees are on the wing. Don’t miss August’s wildlife highlights.

High-Tech Trafficking

Documenting the illegal trade in Australian reptiles, Doug encountered native lizards concealed in electrical equipment.

The Dam Busters

Across Europe, hundreds of rivers are blocked by dams, dykes, locks and levees. But a movement is gathering pace to remove these barriers and restore water flow.

‘I worshipped the ground she walked on'

It’s easy to feel isolated in the horseworld, and many pros turn to a mentor for guidance. Kate Johnson speaks to those who have reaped the benefits

Mollie Summerland

From living in her horsebox to being “on top of the world”, the youngest-ever winner of the Luhmühlen CCI5* has learnt to take the rough with the smooth, says Martha Terry

Vet who fabricated Home Office letter is struck off

Dr Sue Dyson was found to have committed disgraceful conduct in a professional respect at a disciplinary hearing

Living the Swiss Tokyo dream

Andrew Nicholson reflects on Barbury and going to the Olympics as a coach

Valdecaz is the finest

The HOYS qualifying circuit storms on, as more riders and their steeds capture coveted spots to the anticipated final

Fairytale win for perfect filly

A coloured horse defies the formbook, a Connemara is supreme native and a novice working hunter displays ability and potential

Toy entrepreneur

Karen Clithero has revolutionised the soft toy market, turning her Crafty Ponies into widely acclaimed creative play products, with some very famous fans

Honour roll for amateur's star

An amateur rider lifts her first-ever supreme championship, fresh-faced novices learn their trade and a young Irish Draught scoops the top in-hand accolade

Durable

This dreamy grand prix stallion has a temperament to die for and still amazes his rider every day, finds Polly Bryan

Running out of steam?

What could be behind a horse’s failure to develop or maintain fitness as expected? Andrea Oakes investigates

‘He's done everything for me'

A partnership’s journey from novice to inter I results in a national title, while Scottish riders and unconventional breeds prosper, and young riders shine

Record royal run for Walker

The hunter of the circuit achieves a rare hat-trick, a seasoned mare tops the riding horses and top cobs do battle for the overall championship