Indholdsfortegnelse for 4-Dec-2025 i Horse & Hound

THIS year’s Horse & Hound Awards in partnership with NAF and Agria highlighted what incredible people and horses we are lucky to have in our sport and industry. Equestrianism is full of unsung heroes and inspirational individuals, and it is fantastic to have another opportunity to highlight their achievements and stories through these awards. Congratulations to all of the winners, and all who were shortlisted. And a nod to all of the vets, farriers, grooms, volunteers, owners and riders who go unseen, making a world of difference to those they interact with and support. Event rider Tamie Smith makes an excellent point (news, p8) regarding the rehabilitation of riders who are banned for short periods. “Maybe it is time for a required course on understanding the horse’s mind, trauma responses,…

DSP CHAKARIA The 15-year-old mare, European jumping champion in 2021 with Germany’s Andre Thieme, has returned to competition after a year-long absence. DACAPO Eventer Laura Collett’s CCI4* winner has gone to be a schoolmaster for a young rider. The 16-year-old was on the podium 13 times at four-star, and placed numerous times. LLANMORLAIS BUSTER Mark Swistun’s Welsh section D home-bred yearling was supreme champion at the 2025 Royal Welsh Winter Fair, handled by Kristian Harris. Report, 11 December.…

FIVE-STAR US event rider Andrew McConnon has been suspended for 20 months for abusing horses – as a fellow top rider said: “We owe our horses better than this”. The FEI Tribunal has ruled on the case of the eventer, who had been provisionally suspended since January. An anonymous report had been made to US Equestrian (USEF) in summer 2024 and “materials showing abusive behaviours” were sent to USEF shortly afterwards. The news came just after Andrew had competed at Burghley, coming 27th with Wakita 54. USEF passed information to the FEI, which investigated. “The FEI Tribunal found Andrew McConnon to have engaged in abuse of horse as well as in a conduct that has brought the FEI and equestrian sport into disrepute,” an FEI spokesperson said, adding that Andrew…

MUSIC An email sent to H&H Towers offers “horse riding instruments”. Guitars on which to play your freestyle music? Microscopes with which to look for your remaining cash? I think we should be told. FITNESS To the US, where a new fitness craze is “barn chores”; people pay to pretend to muck out. Seems a niche in the market? We offer classes at £20. Contacts, p13. POLICING To London, where two Met Police horses chased down a driver suspected of possessing cannabis. Well done, boys. Maybe they heard he had grass in the car.. SPELLING Spotted online, a rider asking: “How are you insulting your water buckets this winter?” Tricky one but swearing and calling them tubby is always an option to consider… FINANCES Anyone hoping for the cost of…

Email to hhletters@futurenet.com Name and address must be included. Letters may be edited. FORESTRY PERMITS THANK you for highlighting the issues around parking in Forestry England (FE) horsebox parks (news, 13 November). You noted that riders no longer had to pay for a permit to ride in the areas controlled by FE. My local riders were initially delighted at the news, but were soon disillusioned to hear that we are one of only two areas that still needs a permit. We are aware of the scientific importance of Bramshill Plantation, but concerned that we must pay for the pleasure while others do not. “Riders can alert about issues such as fires” LOUISE NICE This charge was rescinded by FE, but matters worsened when the number of permits was reduced to…

TO be mentioned in the same breath as 20-time champion Sir Tony McCoy is a huge honour for any jockey. But justifying every comparison bestowed upon him is the current star of the weighing room, Sean Bowen. Not since AP’s incredible record-breaking reign have we seen the kind of stats that 28-year-old Sean is racking up. Since earning his first jockeys’ championship in April, he’s set off in hot pursuit of the next title and has enjoyed his quickest ever start, already racking up more than 140 winners at a phenomenal 26% strike rate. To put that into perspective, he’s already ridden 80 more winners than any of his weighing room colleagues. Not only does this unassuming Welshman have the same relentless McCoy-esque work ethic, his mindset is strikingly similar,…

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Catherine Austen catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten123 BEDALE 1 November Bedale, Manor Farm, N Yorks TRAVELLING up to North Yorkshire for the Bedale opening meet was akin to crossing the Midwest. No cowboys or rodeo spotted, but I drove through the same rapidly changing weather – mild winds were followed by a hailstorm, crowned by a luminescent double rainbow, which seemed to land on the Gothic west front of Ripon Cathedral. Sadly, this variance wasn’t steadying the glass and unlikely to bode well for hounds. Not that crazy weather fronts would dampen the mood in William and Anne White’s kitchen at Manor Farm, North Cowton. Our hosts were generously plying allcomers with food and drink and the laughter could be heard across the farmyard. “Oh, really, b****y good luck,” ribbed the poker-faced Guy…

ORIANA MCNAMARA scored a medium silver and outright win at Felbridge Showground, West Sussex, with Lafite, the KWPN gelding she rode at the European Championships for children-on-horses this summer. Oriana, 14, who teamed up with Bordeaux-sired “Beau” in March, said: “This was a good test to pinpoint where we are and what we need to focus on for winter training. We’ll work on his suppleness and balance and keep him pushing through. “Beau is a massive character, so sweet and willing,” added Oriana, who trains with Andrew Gould. “We had a great summer at the Europeans and we’ve done four CDIs. We’ll be campaigning at junior level next year.” ONE TO WATCH…

HAVING been given a spin around Newbury last week under the now retired 20-time champion jockey Sir Anthony McCoy, six-year-old mare Paggane (pictured) landed a Listed race at Market Rasen for rookie trainer Faye Bramley. AP handed the reins back to Harry Cobden – with whom she’d won at Carlisle at the start of November – for the Pertemps Network Bud Booth Mares’ Chase, and they came home 8½ lengths clear in the three-mile contest. The daughter of Muhaarar arrived from the Willie Mullins stable in the summer to join the yard of first-season trainer Bramley. “She just keeps improving and I can’t get my head around it,” said Bramley. “She had good form for Willie and I’m just hoping to keep it up. “I’m on cloud nine at the…

Share your news story Call 0330 390 6386 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @ jones_eleanor_ THE human and equine stars voted by you as winners of the 10th Horse & Hound Awards, in partnership with NAF and Agria, have been crowned. More than 107,000 people cast their votes for the 2025 awards, the winners of which were announced at a star-studded ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club on 26 November. “As a team, we love running and hosting these awards in partnership with NAF and Agria, to round off the year celebrating the heroes of 2025 – both those in the spotlight and those who are usually behind the scenes,” said H&H editor-in-chief Sarah Jenkins. “To have more than 107,000 Horse & Hound readers voting for their favourites is testament to the strength…

FAREWELL TO TWO SUPERSTARS CARL HESTER and Charlotte Dujardin have said a heartbroken goodbye to Valegro and Uthopia, aged 23 and 24, it was announced as H&H went to press on Monday (1 December). The superstars, who won medals all over the world and transformed dressage, were friends for life and Carl said letting them go together was “the final act of loyalty and dignity”, adding: “They were our family and I will love and miss them always.” Charlotte added of Valegro: “You have been, and always will be, my one in a million and it has been the honour of my life to be not only your dance partner but best friend. The magic we had, no one can take from us, and we will dance again one day.”…

Park Lane Stables RDA founder Natalie O’Rourke has been shortlisted for the 2025 Sunday Times grassroots sportswoman of the year award. British Nations Cup team manager and former rider Philip Surl has been appointed technical delegate for the 2026 eventing World Championships. Showjumper Jamie Wingrove has joined Heathcroft Farm as a rider. Heathcroft said: “We are looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.” Grand National-winning amateur jockey Patrick Mullins had his 900th winner, with Willie Mullins-trained Jimmy Du Seuil at Fairyhouse on 29 November. Dressage rider Laura Tomlinson and her home-bred nine-year-old Full Moon II won the CDI3* Kronenberg grand prix special, on 69.38%, on 29 November.…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald OPINION I RECENTLY criticised our national championships for being held in such a drab setting. However, the national title remains a great one that’s definitely worth keeping. Full marks to the current holder Rebecca Marsh who’s ridden really well all year. I was lucky enough to win it a couple of times when it took place in the main ring at the Royal Show in front of massive crowds – and it deserves to be elevated into such a prestigious event once again. The Irish currently decide their national title over a series of shows. But I’d love to see the British and Irish federations work together to run a three-day All-Ireland and British Championship. It could alternate between the two nations each year. Ideally held in May…

I grew up with horses. I had ponies and a 16.3hh hunter and did a bit of everything. We lived in the New Forest – you could go out the front gate and ride all day. I probably had the most fun on my New Forest pony, Murphy. He’d do anything – canter through streams and jump gorse bushes. I rode till my late teens, then it was girls and motorbikes. You never lose that love of horses, but I have enough contact with them through my work; I love watching them move. I was lost as a teenager, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Then I went to a saddler’s – Glenn Hasker in Hampshire – with Mum, looking for a saddle, and the workshop was right…

STARS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 20–23 November bethan.simons@futurenet.com Show Teams And Rising Stars (STARS) Champion of Champions, Aintree International EC, Merseyside A DARTMOOR topped a 75-strong mountain and moorland (M&M) lead-rein final before striding on to claim the 2025 ridden supreme accolade. NHS worker Caroline Bradley led 14-year-old Rushfield Courvoisier (Vinny) with six-year-old Grace Speak, who has taken over lead-rein duties this season as his usual rider, 11-year-old Amelia-Grace Bradley, is out of the class. “Some riders lost marks by trying to add too many tricks into their shows, which didn’t quite work” JEROME HARFORTH ON JUDGING THE SUPREME The supreme, judged by Jerome Harforth, Barbara McGrath and Dan Anders, was a feast for the eyes. Vinny, Grace and Caroline, representing Thornton Cleveleys and District Riding Club (RC), delivered an outstanding…

Myerscough College, Lancs ANYA COOPER celebrated a 75.56% novice freestyle win with Finissima – a mare who was once described as “pretty much unrideable”. “Back then, she was terrified of almost everything,” said Anya, who took “Mimi” on in 2022 after losing her own horse to laminitis. “She was a notorious bolter, and I never imagined we’d get round a dressage test.” Now a co-owner of the nine-year-old Finest mare with Sue Petty, Anya has enjoyed a successful year with Mimi – including a top-10 prelim silver placing at the winter nationals. “It’s been so rewarding; we have an amazing bond, and she has grown massively in confidence,” said Anya. “We train with Charlie Hutton, who has been good at making me believe I can do it.”…

Hill House EC, Lincs TWO charismatic characters battled for honours at prelim, with Castledales Eve heading the prelim 2. Nicknamed “Beyoncé” by her rider, eventer Tanya Bridgeman, the 14.3hh Dales mare has found new purpose in the dressage arena. “She came to me to be sold as she was very full on – she’s basically a sport horse trapped in a Dales pony body,” said Tanya. “She has a gigantic personality and needs to be worked hard, but she adores being the centre of attention and has taken to dressage like a duck to water. “Natives are very underrated,” added Tanya, who ordinarily rides eventers and thoroughbred types. “People think, ‘Oh look, a cute hairy pony,’ but when she comes out of the arena, they see her in a different…

HIGHLIGHTS 24–30 November jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald Newcastle Racecourse, Tyne and Wear IN a near carbon copy of the dramatic and unlikely chain of events that led to 25/1 shot Golden Ace landing the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, trainer Jeremy Scott’s star mare emerged the surprise victor of an incident-packed BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle. Sent off at odds of 22/1 for the five-runner contest, her presence was overshadowed by three hurdling heavyweights – champion hurdler Constitution Hill, the unbeaten rising star The New Lion and Irish challenger Anzadam from the Mullins stable. But the drama began to unfold early on. The Nicky Henderson-trained favourite and his regular partner Nico de Boinville hit the deck at the second hurdle, seemingly handing the race to The New Lion (Harry Skelton), who…

A TINY foal who was dumped at six weeks old has a new mother – and learned to trust people thanks to positive reinforcement training. The colt, Malcolm, was found near a railway line, and rescued by World Horse Welfare. He arrived at the charity’s Glenda Spooner Farm “petrified of humans”. The team has been hand-rearing him, which gave groom Amy McCormack the chance to build a relationship with him. “Positive reinforcement is a vital training tool,” Amy said. “We’ve used feeding time to help Malcolm link people with good things. Wither scratches – a favourite friendly gesture for horses – have helped teach him that humans can be associated with comfort and safety. “He’s now happy for me to touch him all over, which is huge progress. I’m so…

jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald OPINION NOT often do I sit at home on a Saturday. As a trainer, it’s not something you want to be doing too often. We’ve had a good week, with plenty of winners, but even so… So, with a glass of wine and a bowl of soup, I parked myself in front of the TV with great excitement to watch the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle for the return of the great Constitution Hill taking on the young pretender, The New Lion (report, p72). Only two flights in and Constitution Hill fell, having stepped at a hurdle again. Two hurdles later, The New Lion thought about running out, and then drama number two unfolded when he came down two from home, stepping…

THE surge in the number of horses in Britain in the Victorian period, from approximately 1.3 million in 1811 to 2.11 million in 1871, was driven by increasing population growth and the consequent demand for horses for industry, agriculture, transport, military use and for leisure. There were an astonishing 20,000 to 30,000 ponies working in British mines in 1875 and 25,000 horses pulling omnibuses in London alone in the 1890s. This burgeoning horse population was serviced by a vast army of coachmen, grooms, saddlers, blacksmiths, vets, trainers, breeders and dealers. Here we look at some of those involved in this remarkable world of horses, and their practices. NEXT WEEK How to transport a sick or injured horse safely and securely The Society of the Horseman’s Word Pictures courtesy of Kieran…

What was your highlight of 2025? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com…

DESPITE being a first-season novice, uber-typey Highland Chapelhill Onich brought home the title in a strong M&M ridden large breeds showdown for Sarah Murphy of Worlington RC. By Chapelhill Earl, the five-year-old has reignited Sarah’s passion for riding. “I’d never done any showing before getting Onich, I’d only evented until I had my daughter, Olivia, who is now 14,” said Sarah, who works for a pharmaceutical company. “I’ve learnt the ropes via Olivia doing it all.” Onich, whom Sarah backed herself, has enjoyed much success at unaffiliated level this season. Last year, he narrowly survived sycamore poisoning. ONE TO WATCH “He had to spend five nights at Rossdales vets,” said Sarah. “There’s no rush for him to step up; he’s still a baby and we think a lot of him.”…

HIGHLIGHTS 16–23 November oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscnwilliams Hunters Equestrian, Glos MARIA GRIFFIN’S mare Satin II bounced back into top form after time off with dental issues, claiming a convincing advanced medium win. “She’s an absolute trojan,” said Maria of “Lottie”, whose first and only clinical sign was a small amount of nasal discharge. “A CT scan revealed two extra teeth growing over the top of her normal teeth, which were causing sinusitis. I cried all the way home when we received the diagnosis, as I couldn’t believe what she’d put up with – I’d competed her just the week before. “She underwent surgery under general anaesthetic, in which a square of her skull was removed to extract the teeth,” added Maria, who praised the Equine Dental Clinic in Dorset for the procedure…

1st jumps winner in nine years for Tom Queally. Making a rare appearance over hurdles, Frankel’s jockey triumphed at Leicester on the Gary and Josh Moore-trained He’s A Latchio. A DOUBLE AT DONCASTER FOR KIM BAILEY AND MAT NICHOLLS WITH MATTY’S GETAWAY AND MOON ROCKET, MAKING IT SIX WINS FROM THE YARD’S PAST 13 RUNNERS. 900th winner for Grand National-winning amateur jockey Patrick Mullins. 4th winning offspring out of mare Brixen, when her five-year-old son Brixson landed the Pertemps Network National Hunt Novices Hurdle at Market Rasen, for trainers Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith and owners Tom Ford and Robert Peters.…

WHEN I went to hitch on the trailer before hunting on Saturday I was in a daze. I hadn’t had the best night’s sleep and I was suffering from that woolly-headed feeling that sometimes affects women my age. Brain in neutral I set about backing the pick-up, lowering the hitch; familiar actions that us trailer-draggers do, week in, week out throughout the hunting season and should be able to do blindfolded and in our sleep. I had not noticed that the hitch was not fully engaged with the ball and when I pulled away there was a loud clunk as the two separated, followed by two smaller clunks as the electricity cables and emergency cable snapped apart. I was so angry with myself I couldn’t even swear or think. Fortunately…