Innholdsfortegnelse for 23-Oct-2025 i Horse & Hound

HAY feeders, mirrors and activity balls can improve horses' time in the stable, research has shown. In a study published in Animals, US researchers assessed the physiological and behavioural responses of nine stabled horses to hay feeders, mirrors and activity balls, provided in addition to their usual bucket feed and hay fed from the ground. The results showed that enrichment increased heart rate, foraging and locomotion and that overall, horses spent more typical periods of time performing normal behaviours. “The hay feeder, activity ball and mirror appeared equally engaging, so we concluded that both edible and non-edible items can be effective enrichment,” lead author Miranda Brauns of the University of California, Davis told H&H. “If horses have to be stabled, enrichment may help them cope” MALCOLM MORLEY “Additionally, enrichment decreased frustration…

IN 2015, Adrian Whiteway won the SEIB winter novice final at Hickstead. A decade later, on that famous turf, he jumped clear for his country in a home five-star Nations Cup. Weeks previously, Adrian had been on the squad for the five-star Aachen Nations' Cup. Weeks afterwards, he was on the squad that won the Longines League of Nations in St Tropez, then the final in Barcelona – as Adrian said: “It's been a hell of a year.” Asked what he would have said after that novice win had someone told him what 2025 would hold, would he have believed it? “I wouldn't have believed it if you'd told me a year ago,” he says. “It felt a long way away, like it was never going to happen.” Adrian's journey…

THE following management tips help to support and maintain horses with bone spavin in full work: tailor your exercise plan to your horse's individual needs and avoid large fluctuations in exercise levels prioritise a consistent warm-up and cool-down prior to and after ridden work incorporate carrot stretches into your horse's daily routine make sure your horse is not standing still in a stable for long periods of time throughout the day diversify your rides and the type of work you do and exercise on multiple surfaces optimise your horse's foot balance consult an equine nutritionist about your horse's feed plan. Excessive weight will put continuous strain on your horse's joints speak to your vet about supplements that can support joint health and mobility plan regular check-ups with your vet, allowing…

ATHENE LINDEBJERG 18yo mare, Gribaldi x Diamant Rider: Mari Durward-Akhurst Owners: Di Redfern, Nick Durward-Akhurst and Romilly Hart Breeder: Ulla and Kristian Bech WITH a decade-long career, countless championship medals, including three Paralympic golds with her former rider Sophie Christiansen, Athene is already a legend of para dressage. Now, she's written a new chapter with Mari, helping her to her Paralympic debut in Paris and a freestyle bronze, followed by two more bronze medals at the Europeans this summer. In a season of change, they've been the calm, consistent force. Based at South Bucks RDA, Athene is not just a champion – she's also an ambassador for the next generation of para riders. “She's just an incredible mare,” says Mari. “She walks into the arena like, ‘I've got this.’ I always know…

KBF LUCIA 8yo coloured mare, by Free Spirit out of Seabourne Swansdown Owner: Diane Stennett and Lucy Cameron Rider: Jayne Ross Breeders: Tony Reynolds and Michael Cook KNOWN as Poppy at home, this young mare has had an incredible run in the show ring. She stood overall supreme at this year's Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), where she's now won five times as either a coloured horse or a ladies' show horse. Poppy also has an enviable record at the Royal International (RIHS), where she has won her coloured class several times and gone on to stand champion horse and overall supreme coloured. At Windsor, Poppy has won her coloured non-native horse and the ladies' show horse classes, and was second this year in the riding horses. As versatile as ever,…

HARRISON ASHTON Age: 24 Discipline: dressage Best horse: “Million Dreams – or Mildred, as we call her – what a horse! I'm honestly lost for words. She gave me everything and more at the [under-25s] European Championships. Being there was a dream come true, and I know it's just the beginning for her. I've believed in her from day one.” Proudest moment this year: “Winning team bronze at the Europeans on our debut – I couldn't have asked for more. We hit personal bests in every single test, which I never expected! There were definitely nerves that week, but as a team we held it together and pulled it off.” Goals for 2026: “Competing at the Europeans really lit a fire in me. It made me realise that this is what I…

SAFFRON CRESSWELL The 24-year-old rising star's eventing career was cut short by a spinal injury – her candour, realism and perseverance in forging a new path is an extraordinary example to everyone LIFE as Saffron Cresswell knew it changed when she sustained a spinal injury at Defender Bramham Horse Trials in 2024. The 24-year-old is paralysed from the chest down, and has embraced the new normal by pursuing new experiences – both professionally, with presenting gigs at events like Burghley, and physically. “I've played around with a few new sports,” she says, “I've been having tennis lessons and I've been doing wheelchair races, 10kms and half-marathons. “Shortly after the fall I was upset by the thought of things I can't do, so I realised I needed to think about the…

ASHLEY ALLSOPP A horsey aunt transformed his life, aged 14 AS a child, Ashley Allsopp had no idea what he wanted to do for a living. “My aunt worked as a stud manager and asked if I wanted a weekend job. She thought I might last a week. When the farrier came, I'd help him and he gave me an insight into the job. I wouldn't do anything else.” His apprenticeship included working at World Horse Welfare: “I saw a lot of horses with problems. I love problem-solving and getting horses on the mend, giving the horse the best possible chance to work and be happy day-to-day.” Communication is his forte: “Owners know their horses best, how they are feeling and going, so talking to them helps me adjust the…

CHAPEL may be a “grumpy old man”, in his 20th year, but he is still the Elgar family favourite. He was bought “rising five”, and the Elgars believe the 15.3hh “Irish bog pony” is part-Connemara, part-thoroughbred, but “we know nothing”! Chapel Street Lad, named for his Irish owner's address, was bought for Alice when she was coming off ponies, aged 14. “We weren't sure we wanted a youngster,” she explains, “but he was gorgeous, golden dun, and easy-peasy, even then.” Alice did Pony Club with him, but “he's not straightforward to a fence. The way he's put together means he's very short-strided”. She believes “he would have been a serious competition horse if he'd had a longer stride, but he's one to chip in at the last minute. You need…

THE importance of hunting in art and literature is as ancient and as wonderful as that 15th-century illuminated manuscript, Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. Even before that, hawking and the hunting of the royal deer forests of England appear in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, and afterwards in John Donne's powerfully metaphysical poem The Sun Rising when the poet/cleric commands: ‘Go tell court huntsmen that the king will ride.’ This is a reference to King James I, known for his hunting passions. The zenith for hunting literature and art, of course, took place in the Victorian era when hunting itself was at the height of popularity. In Market Harborough they “painted thy town red”, and the works of Surtees, Trollope, and Thackeray were on every library fireside…

AFTER a few years out of the eventing fray, Laura Cackett capped her first season with new ride, Let's Dance (Darcy), with a BE80 win at Tweseldown (4). Laura, who is managing director of Blue Chip Feed, bought the mare last year as a five-year-old from Sara Blackshaw. “Darcy reminded me so much of my previous mare, who I sadly lost, along with her foal, when she was expecting,” explained Laura. “When I first saw her she had already been vetted by somebody else, but I liked her so much I asked Sara to let me know if anything happened and the sale didn't go through. When she rang to tell me that Darcy was still available it felt like it was meant to be.” Laura described the 15.3hh mare…

Boekelo, Netherlands IZZY TAYLOR and the former six-year-old world champion Barrington Alice delivered another top-tier performance at the Dutch four-star, finishing third after posting a foot-perfect clear round on the final day over a hugely influential showjumping track. “Boekelo has been the goal for her all season. She has a beautiful brain and was just dreamy all week,” said Izzy of Johnny Hornby's eight-year-old mare, who was bred by Susie Holroyd. “She's extra-special because she is out of Susie's mare, Allercombe Mayday, who is a half-sister to Allercombe Ellie, who I was due to ride at the Rio Olympics before she got injured.” The competition was won by Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Kiarado D'Arville. Not only was this a first win here for Belgium, but it was Lara's 20th international…

HIGHLIGHTS 6–12 October HAVE YOU WON A BD CLASS? DO YOU OR YOUR HORSE HAVE A GREAT STORY? Email dressagehighlights@yahoo.com within 24 hours of your win for a chance to feature on these pages Felbridge Showground, W Sussex THE Knight family enjoyed a fruitful day, with Isobel claiming the prix st georges (PSG) on 70.44% – less than one percentage point ahead of her sister Alice. Isobel took things up a gear with Finero, a 16-year-old Fidertanz son who was produced and competed up to grand prix level by Zoe Sleigh and is now owned by Angela and Dan Jenvey. “I've never ridden anything so powerful,” said Isobel, who trains with Andrew Gould. “Finero is a cheeky, bold character and always wants to please. I've campaigned him at young riders…

THE requirement for thoroughbreds to wear shoes in some showing classes is being debated as riders ask – why? Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) requires horses to be shod all-round in its ridden showing classes. But horses can compete without shoes in other RoR disciplines and in-hand showing. Hannah Oldham told H&H she is a big supporter of promoting former racehorses and their versatility, but finds this rule “really frustrating”. “I have a lovely ex-racehorse, the epitome of a brilliant retrained racehorse,” she said, of Django Django, 12, formerly trained by Jonjo O'Neill. “I'd love to do showing with him” HANNAH OLDHAM “We have done eventing, dressage, showjumping – he does pretty much everything – and he has really embraced family life.” She added that the gelding has excellent feet and wears…

When I was three years old, my mum bought me a miniature Shetland, Cookie. I started riding her around the garden and that was it: everything ponies. My mum, Claire, had always ridden, and Mark [Hallion, now Myrtle's stepfather] was teaching her. He helped me with my ponies, then when I was 11 I had a huge growth spurt and moved on to horses. The day after I turned 12, I did the London Global Champions Tour (GCT). I'd been there before to watch Mark so I knew the atmosphere, but it was a different feeling being in the ring. That GCT was a turning point. We're friends with Jan Tops and his wife, Edwina Tops-Alexander, and he offered me the chance to be the youngest person to ever jump…

COLORADO BLUE 16yo gelding, Jaguar Mail x Rock King Rider: Austin O'Connor Owners: Austin O'Connor and The Salty Syndicate Breeder: Kate Jarvey, Mellon Stud Stable name: Salty THE 2023 Maryland five-star winner Colorado Blue added two more podium finishes at five-star to his bumper record this year, finishing third at Badminton – for the second time – and second at Burghley. This was Ireland's best Burghley placing since 1963. After finishing second to Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, Austin said: “Finishing second to Ros is maybe as good as winning because the history books will say this is the best-ever combination to grace five-star eventing. It's like a win to me. “Horses like Salty don't come into our lives often. He's 16 but he thinks he's six. If you don't have a special…

SCOTT BRASH Double European silver medallist and winner of the world's richest showjumping prize THE world number three has had an unforgettable 2025. Scott Brash, 39, and Hello Jefferson have long been regarded as one of the greatest partnerships of all time, but with the help of some exciting new horsepower now soaring up the ranks, the ice-cool Scotsman's fortunes have risen. He's ticked off an astonishing list of achievements this year, bagging six five-star grands prix – including the world's richest prize at Spruce Meadows – and he won both team and individual silver medals at the European Championships. His most recent accomplishment was sealing victory for Great Britain in the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona just two days after heading the city's prestigious grand prix. Top…

BUNBURY CONQUEST 24yo gelding, by Bunbury Figaro x Bunbury Mahogany DESCRIBED as a “grand prix horse in a pony body”, “Questie” is a legendary 128cm showjumper, who was still flying round Hickstead this year in his mid-20s. The superstar pony is currently leased by the Widdowson family, with Kathleen hailing him as “the best pony in the whole wide world”. In 2023, her daughter – eight-year-old Annabel – became the youngest-ever rider to win the 128cm final at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and won at both Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and London International Horse Show last year. “He's a complete freak and a legend in showjumping – never stopping producing the best children who have gone on to represent their country,” says his owner Alison Irvine.…

JESS ERRINGTON Harry Meade's groom of nearly two decades JESS has cared for eventing world number one Harry Meade's horses for 18 years. “I'm not from a horsey family, but I was lucky to go to Stonar, a horsey school, and then went on to do a horse management course at college,” says Jess. “I knew I wasn't going to be good enough to ride at top level so I wanted to do the next best thing. Deep down, I always wanted to groom, but never thought I would be good enough to groom at top level. “Travelling to amazing places, looking after wonderful horses and making great friends along the way, is my favourite part of the job. I love all the horses, getting to know and forming bonds…

JANICE BRIDGER The British Horse Society regional access and bridleways officer has acted as a go-between for horse riders and local authorities for 25 years JANICE first got involved in equestrian access when the A34 southbound underwent works near Chieveley. Thanks to her advocacy for horse and rider safety, the plans were adapted and resulted in the bridleway bridge spanning the seven lanes near the M4 junction. Since then, TREC enthusiast Janice's dedicated input has helped improve and secure precious bridleways in several highways and access projects, including the Eling Way, an off-road path on a disused railway link between the villages of Hermitage and Hampstead Norreys and the Snelsmore Common to Chieveley link path, which helps horse riders avoid a busy road. VICTORIA PRIVETT The equine-canine safety campaigner gives…

Kelsall Hill EC, Cheshire “WE'RE super-proud to have him showing off his new-found confidence in the ring,” said Katie Scott after making progress with On Fire KS. The home-bred Charmeur six-year-old, co-owned with Annabelle Davies, was a silver and outright winner at both elementary and medium. “I've put sweat, tears and soul into training him, as he's so afraid of anyone moving around the arena,” said Katie, who trains using classical in-hand techniques. “I've never managed to ride a clear round without threes and fours. He's an amazing mover – I hope one day we'll be able to show that.” “I've put in sweat, tears and soul” KATIE SCOTT ON TRAINING HOME-BRED ON FIRE KS Showjumping mare Chance IX headed both prelim silver sections with Maxine Linas. “I do a lot…

THE French champion trainer Francis-Henri Graffard may not be a familiar name to many British racing fans, but he's enjoyed a sensational year, winning international Group One races including the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Qatar Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe and his reputation was boosted further by Calandagan's victory in the Qipco Champion Stakes. The Chantilly trainer only established his stable in 2011, having been inspired by his grandfather, National Hunt breeder Dr Henri Champliau. He plied his trade with Arqana in France, before being selected for the Godolphin Flying Start programme and later joining Sheikh Mohammed's Darley team. Since saddling his first Group One winner in 2015, Graffard has established his reputation as a true sportsman willing to travel to be “seen to be competitive”.…

A NEW rule for tack- or rider-induced blood is proposed for jumping, and terminology on “minor cases” scrapped. The final draft of FEI rules changes to go to the vote at the general assembly (4–7 November) have been published. The first draft was released in July, and national federations and stakeholders had the chance to feed back. The jumping rules are undergoing a full revision this year and there has been much deliberation over blood-related eliminations, including repeated calls for proportionality in “micro or minor” cases of blood. In the first draft the FEI proposed that “minor blood cases” would mean a recorded warning, and non-minor cases elimination or disqualification and maybe disciplinary action. This was met with mixed reviews. The German federation said: “The determination between minor and more-than-minor…

TO SUBMIT AN OBITUARY Visit horseandhound.co.uk/obits MALCOLM ROSSER THE South Wales showing world lost one of its most famous sons when Malcolm Rosser died in September aged 69 after an illness he bore with bravery, dignity and stoicism. A consummate showman, Malcolm had a natural empathy with horses, evident in their polished performances. He and his partner Andrew Quipp bought Paxford Farm near Swansea Bay, a run-down property with no running water, in 1983. After living in a caravan and a great deal of hard work they established a yard of 30 boxes with an outdoor school. Malcolm's business included showing and hunting liveries, backing, schooling and teaching, and the Paxford name became widely respected. Malcolm was so dedicated and hardworking, but could not have achieved what he did without…

OWNERS have been reminded of the need to be vigilant and take action after a “significant” increase in strangles cases. The Surveillance of Equine Strangles (SES) network confirmed that more than 370 cases have been diagnosed in 2025, compared to the annual UK average of about 300. Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) monitors diagnoses; a spokesperson said the number of cases this year is “significantly higher” than in 2023 and 2024, “indicating a genuine increase rather than normal year-to-year variation”. Dr Richard Newton of EIDS said: “These findings are a clear reminder that strangles remains an ever-present risk to the UK horse population. The increase in diagnoses underlines the importance of continued vigilance, prompt reporting and proactive prevention measures.” Owners are urged to act, including isolating new arrivals and screening…

YOUNG riders enjoyed a “totally inclusive training day” thanks to Olympic medallist Becky Moody and the London International Horse Show (LIHS, 18–22 December). Becky, an ambassador for LIHS 2025, held sessions with Cool Ridings, which aims to celebrate and promote diversity in horse sport, in an event hosted by the show. Becky coached Cool Ridings members, “sharing her insights and experience from producing and competing multiple horses to international grand prix”. Eventer and Cool Ridings founder Lydia Heywood, who rides for Jamaica, said: “A lot of us have grown up watching LIHS so it was surreal to be invited to be part of this totally inclusive training day. The organisers have gone above and beyond to make a maximum impact on our community, and it means the world.” Jayda Everett,…

HELLO FOLIE 10yo Selle Français mare, Luidam x Diamant De Semilly Rider: Scott Brash Owners: Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham Breeder: Claire Gouin THIS spirited mare captured our hearts with her enthusiastic and faultless dual silver medal-winning performance at the European Championships. We won't forget that heart-stopping moment when Scott lost a rein mid-round, yet Folie casually popped through a full-height treble combination without batting an eyelid. Groomed by David Honnet, this rising star's breakthrough came months earlier with a debut five-star grand prix success in Qatar, makingheadlines again when winning the recent Barcelona grand prix. “She loves the job and wants to win,” says Scott. “I've always felt she was going to be a top horse and she feels like she's getting more comfortable at that height now. She's shown the world…

HOLLIE CLARK Police investigator, prolific winning showjumper and a regular at elite shows HOLLIE combines a full-time job as a financial investigator for the South-East Regional Organised Crime Unit with looking after her 21-month-old daughter, and “winning just about everything” in forces showjumping. Hollie has contested the services jumping at Royal Windsor for three years running, and at London International, and hopes to contest London qualifiers next year with her new ride, Figaro Van Avermaet. “Going to London last year was amazing,” she says. “I was the only police rider to qualify and it was my career highlight; I'm so glad I got to do it.” Hollie set up the Wiltshire Police equestrian club, with which she works to promote riding and competing to other police staff, and advises the…

HOVIS The late H&H “diarist”, fundraiser and inspiration for books – with legions of fans “WHAT made him so utterly special was he just connected with people wherever he went” – Karen Haggerty's (née Thompson) much-loved part-bred Clydesdale, who died this year aged 23. Hovis built an army of fans around the world through his long-standing weekly H&H diary, which started in 2008. His humorous antics were made into nine books, raising more than £100,000 for Bransby Horses, cancer research, victims of the Australian bushfires and Riding for the Disabled Association groups. “He achieved an awful lot in his lifetime and left a legacy behind,” said Karen, who bought Hovis when he was four. “There are amazing elite athletes out there, but Hovis was different because he was just ordinary,…

ALAN HOUGH Celtic Equine Vets, Romsey, Hants “BEING a vet is genuinely a privilege. I love the variety and involvement with owners and their equines. In a day I can do some X-rays, an ultrasound, some dentistry, some internal medicine and even some surgery. I do it all outdoors and all while meeting dedicated owners who care so much for their horse's welfare. “This year, our whole team worked to bring a lovely horse back from being written off as ‘untreatable’ by previous vets. It was a real team effort, with everyone using specialist skills, and I am delighted that the horse and owner are now out competing and winning on a regular basis, all because the owner didn't give up on their horse.” ADAM JACKSON Jackson Equine Veterinary Practice,…

FLYNN, my lovely big grey hunter whose ears adorn this page, went to heaven a couple of weeks ago. It was the right thing to do, I know it was, and he was 22 and had had a very good life. I am doing an excellent job of completely bottling up the rogue waves of emotion that are trying hard to swamp me. In a manner more befitting a ramrod-backed Victorian than a relatively woke, bleeding-heart liberal Gen X-er, I am refusing to think about him, the situation and what I have lost. I won't talk about him, but I cannot control my dreams, and he slips, ghost-white, neat ears pricked, through my nights. He was a grumpy sod, and not everyone's cup of tea. But our bargain was that…

Fairoak Grange, Berks an amazing schoolmaster,” said Annette, who trains with Justine Sole. “He's still loving life. He doesn't give the flying changes easily, and with some pony blood in him, ANNETTE ANDRESEN coaxed a good tune from Samba Song to claim an advanced medium 1 bronze section and overall win with 71.38%. Annette explained that she jumped at the chance to loan the 18-year-old gelding after he and Kathy Sievert won he has a slightly opinionated view of the world. Once the engine is going, however, he does enjoy motoring around. “He has an opinionated view of the world!” ANNETTE ANDRESEN “We parked next to his breeder, Carrie Passmore, who the Midway Small Tour Championships last year. won the novice 5 with his niece, Demi III. It was nice to see…

WHILE much of the Champions Day build-up had centred around which of the equine icons would earn champion status, two of the sport's forgotten heroes grabbed their own share of the limelight when soaring home at massive odds. First to strike was 200/1 outsider Powerful Glory (pictured, above) for trainer Richard Fahey and jockey Jamie Spencer in the Qipco British Champions Sprint, making history as the longest-priced winner of a Group One race in the UK. The three-year-old lined up for Ascot's Group One race, having been last of five in a conditions race at Beverley last time out after wind surgery. “Not in your wildest dreams are you expecting to win after that, but that's what the good trainers do, they turn the screw,” said Spencer who, at 45,…