Horse & Hound

Published by TI Media Limited Every week Horse & Hound brings horse lovers up-to-date with the latest news and event reports and provides expert equestrian advice on subjects including training and horse care, the latest equine products and feed. The weekly features inform and entertain inspiring readers to go out and ride to improve their horsemanship in every discipline from eventing to show jumping, dressage to showing, polo and hunting. It is also the must read for anyone wanting to buy or sell a horse.

‘The only thing I read’

Emergency rule change bans use of ‘unnatural’ mouth foam • The FEI has acted to ban the use of sticky foam, thought intended to mask issues in horses’ mouths

European Championships jumping team confirmed • The five riders have a mix of experience and huge potential

HORSES IN THE NEWS

IN BRIEF

OBITUARIES

Age tampering highlights the failings of paper passports • A buyer found his horse’s date of birth had been altered using a pen, showing the system’s fragility

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Turning words into action to help all enjoy horses • The second year of British Equestrian’s inclusion action plan is published

GOOD WEEK BAD WEEK

Efforts to secure vet medicine in Northern Ireland but work to do • The UK Government has published a paper on its approach to securing vital medicines for animals after 2025

And finally… The Queen

LETTERS

Horse & Hound

‘Dressage prize money doesn’t match up’ • Carl Hester on recent internationals and the pony team selection fallout

‘Good to see that showjumping is still relevant’ • Ronnie-Lee Jones on Hickstead’s upgrades and advice for aspiring riders

John Whitaker • Laura Collett caught up with John Whitaker at Royal Windsor, to find out about Milton’s special snack, the idol who inspired him to ride in green wellies and the horse he’d love to take for a spin

Elite eventing groom • Adam Short on his path to the top, his Adele moment at Paris 2025, and why attention to detail is key

The eyes have it • A horse’s eye is vulnerable, and problems can quickly become serious. Karen Coumbe MRCVS explains what to look out for to keep your horse’s vision safe

WHAT’S NEW in the veterinary world? • Two pieces of recent research have investigated the health of the equine gut. Peter Green MRCVS reports

New in the ring • Check out the latest new products for you and your horse

Born in the saddle • Riders born into successful equestrian families look to have a head start. But is it always an advantage to have such a legacy? Catherine Welton explores what it’s like to grow up as a member of “equestrian royalty”

Horses that made me • “Mum said, ‘Well if you want to buy him, you phone up and do the deal yourself.’ So I did.”

‘He’s the one’ • Four of the greatest riders of all time pinpoint the one horse that changed their lives – and the course of sporting history – forever, writes Kate Johnson

‘We call him De Champ’ • Dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs is still bidding to add yet more to his illustrious CV. Tom Peacock finds out about the making of a champion from his connections

‘On top of the world is an understatement’ • A mighty stallion produces a coming-of-age grand prix performance under Anthony Condon and a teenager clears 7ft 3in to share the puissance spoils

“HE’S A VERY BIG BOY, BUT HE’S LEARNED TO GO QUICK”

WHAT A PERFORMANCE!

A ‘right little winner’ • A “fun” 15hh gelding scores in the area trial with a five-star eventer, two horses return from injury with a win and there’s a poignant victory for a “cheeky chap”

‘I’ve been trying to get to HOYS since 12.2hhs!’

THIS ONE’S FOR IRIS

A DAY TO...