Horse & Hound Magazine - March 20, 2025

In this issue

‘Michael, this is for you’ Emotional Wednesday
All hail the Queen of Cheltenham Blackmore’s Thursday double
‘Genius’ Cromwell strikes gold Friday’s action

Lack of turnout and knowledge drive the new equine crisis

A major report has found that the welfare needs of most horses in England and Wales are not being met

3 mins

Top stud withdraws from dressage as equine welfare work continues

Blue Hors is taking a break from competition while a new framework for horse welfare in sport is in development

2 mins

Calls for change on welfare law as current systems are failing

The Government has been urged to review the enforcement of welfare law as the system is “lacking”.

2 mins

Delight as paid-for riding permits axed

A public review has led to a significant increase in riders' access to woodlands

1 min

"This feels like a retrograde step'

Under-25 championships, strategy and showcases are on Mark Phillips’ mind

2 mins

'What does this season have in store?'

Stuart Hollings reflects on 2024, and what HOYS rule changes might mean

2 mins

A decision that could change your future'

Davy Russell rides an emotional rollercoaster at an “extraordinary” Festival

3 mins

Frédérique Reffet Plantier

Safety and the sport's sustainability are high on the agenda as the new eventing director settles into her dream job. Lucy Elder finds out more

6 mins

Long-distance rider

Louis D Hall on the tragedy that inspired him to set up a charity, The Big Hoof, how horse travel blows his mind - and why we should let go of whatever is holding us back

3 mins

Kojak

The connections of last year’s Blenheim young horse championship runner-up talk to Pippa Roome

2 mins

Rewards and consequences

Last week Gemma Pearson FRCVS explained how the first two levels of learning theory apply to horses. The third, operant conditioning, is examined here

4 mins

Boost your green credentials

Equestrians rely on nature in all aspects of management, but how can we protect it from the effects of climate change? Bethany Stone examines the impact of our buying habits

5 mins

BIT for purpose

When choosing a bit, you should always think about the mouthpiece material as well as the fit. Becky Murray speaks to bit manufacturers to get a better understanding of modern materials

6 mins

'Michael, this is for you'

An unprecedented depth of emotion fills Cheltenham's winner's enclosure and a mighty hurdler shines

2 mins

'Genius' Cromwell strikes gold

Inothewayurthinkin denies Galopin Des Champ's historic third Gold Cup, giving Gavin Cromwell and Mark Walsh their moment in the spotlight

3 mins

Winter work pays off

A WINTER of physical strengthening for horse and rider paid off for Alex Postolowsky and Iden Van De Rosweide with an intermediate victory.

2 mins

Dantina dazzles

Arising star makes a statement, other young talents prove their potential and seasoned contenders return to form in an action-packed week

4 mins

Figaro hits the right notes

A Bridgerton-inspired freestyle hits the right notes, a miracle horse proves his worth and a home-bred dream lives up to expectations

2 mins

Greve lands horse swap showdown

The old World Championship “final four” format is recreated in a fascinating contest and a Brit comes close to landing a major grand prix

4 mins

Jortel is living his best life

A towering 18hh gelding makes a remarkable comeback and a “cheap” eventer reaps rich rewards

2 mins

Elegance is sublime

Home-breds and an orphaned yearling triumph, a first RIHS ticket for a Ukrainian mare, and two tickets for a pair of home-producers

2 mins

A joyful celebration

The Berks and Bucks Draghounds mark their 50th anniversary by meeting at a historic sporting venue

6 mins

'It's been so much fun'

As the master and huntsman of her pack retires, H&H hunting editor Catherine Austen pays tribute

2 mins

All good things come to an end...

As a successful season draws to a close, the assembled throng delight in the entertaining traditions of “the bikes” meet, and a reflective Tessa Waugh is hopeful for more of the same in autumn

2 mins

Read all stories from Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound Magazine Description:

The UK's leading weekly equestrian magazine
Published by Time Inc (UK). 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.