Horse & Hound

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 one to watch

Concussion still a major issue and underestimated • A survey shows a lack of knowledge of the condition among riders, as steps are taken to help protect them

Ireland's positive change for horses from a crisis • The horrific scenes in a 2024 documentary were a catalyst for a vastly improved traceability system to be put in place

HORSES IN THE NEWS

Vets’ euthanasia guide update is welcomed • Revised guidance has been published in relation to putting down horses covered by all-risk mortality insurance

IN BRIEF

Post-surgery equine deaths decline thanks to advances • Research has found that fewer horses die after a general anaesthetic than 20 years ago

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Horses and people home safe from Middle East • Two flights were organised after air strikes cancelled Doha competition

GOOD WEEK

BAD WEEK

Case of cows trampling walker a reminder of footpath risks • The prosecution and fining of a farmer highlights the need for horse owners to be aware of safety on field footpaths

And finally… 35th runner

LETTERS

H&H FROM THE ARCHIVES

Horse & Hound

‘We must not be complacent’ • 2026 will be a balancing act to keep horse sport thriving, says Mark Phillips

‘Rule changes should be evidence-based’ • Rebecca Penny speaks about changes in showing as the new season begins

‘Paul Townend outshone everyone’ • Davy Russell on Cheltenham's star performer and a solution to false starts

Jess Dunn • The dressage rider, now competing under the Irish flag, is eyeing up championship selection this summer. Becky Murray finds out her path from eventing roots to grand prix success

Competitor Carl Hester

Zonik Plus • Through lightness and harmony, Zonik Plus and his rider Justin Verboomen are redefining modern dressage. Oscar Williams explores their partnership

ZONIK PLUS

Muddy menace • Mud fever is both common and persistent – especially in recent weather. Kieran O'Brien MRCVS explains how best to cope with it

Banishing Milo's sore legs

Dressed to impress • Feel the part in one of these technical yet stylish competition jackets

A very British export • Manufacturing giants like China and USA dominate global markets, yet the international equestrian population still seeks British-made goods. What do we have that everyone wants, asks Bethany Stone?

Adapting over ages • A riding helmet is a vital piece of safety equipment, but have you ever wondered about its history and development over centuries? Becky Murray finds out how equestrian head protection has evolved

MULTI-DIRECTIONAL IMPACT PROTECTION SYSTEM (MIPS)

Looking ahead

The greatest of all time? • From increased attendances to a record-breaking jockey, plenty of British successes and one of the best Gold Cup performances we've ever seen, this year's Cheltenham Festival has much to celebrate

“MY A**E HIT THE SADDLE AND SHE TOOK OFF!”

TALKING POINT

RACE OF THE DAY

A jockey's unlikely route to success

Drama at the last, but Il Etait Temps strikes • The sun shines bright on day two as Willie Mullins saddles a winning treble, a teenager rides his first Festival winner and a trainer...