Innehållsförteckning för 27-Nov-2025 från Horse & Hound

WE hope you enjoy this week's Advent calendar front cover, which has become a real favourite in recent years. Talking of favourites, we always want to know what you want from us to help you enjoy your passion for horses and horse sport. Please complete our survey to let us know, and potentially win a £250 John Lewis voucher: horseandhound.co.uk/readersurvey25 World Horse Welfare's conference last week was hugely informative. It is evident that there is a slight disconnect between research showing what horses ideally want, and the way in which some horses are living. But I don't think it's an impossible divide to bridge. If we can look at the ideal and work towards adapting best practice, we will get there. What's great is that there are many riders already…

CALANDAGAN The four-year-old owned and bred by Aga Khan Studs and trained by Francis-Henri Graffard was crowned horse of the year at the Cartier Racing Awards (19 November). COLMAR Breen Equestrian's jumping stallion has died, aged 15. He competed to five-star with Shane Breen, Georgia Tame and Jack Ryan and retired to stud in 2020 after injury. RAYEF The horse who helped launch Laura Collett's career has died. aged 26. They won young rider and junior gold, were eighth at Badminton and went to the senior Europeans.…

Edited by Oscar Williams oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscnwilliams OPINION IT is crazy to think we are about to close out another year, and that in a couple of months we will be stepping into 2026 with fresh resolutions, hopes and goals. Now that I am in my 40s and that bit wiser, I find myself reflecting more on what this past year has taught me and what I want to carry forward. This year, I learned to be more patient and to notice the smaller wins instead of only judging myself against the distance to the bigger goal. I also learned that my body needs more upkeep than it used to. Missing a gym or Pilates session hits harder now, both physically and mentally. Dressage has had a tough year, with ups…

RIDER ROBERT WHITAKER “VERMENTO is still early in his career but he has been amazing for me over the past two years, taking me back up to the big shows, winning five-star grands prix and being placed in many more. “He came to me as a six-year-old. Stephen and Caroline Blatchford wanted to buy me a horse and I was struggling to find one good enough, so I eventually persuaded my dad to sell him. “I rode his mother Vicky, who was a tall, black mare. She was very competitive, hot and sharp. Vermento is a heavier build, but he has actually inherited a lot of her blood, because he's quick in jump-offs. He's much more nimble than you'd expect – even indoors and in smaller arenas. “He was a…

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The Horse & Hound Podcast Hear Jayne Ross talking about her recent Horse of the Year Show supreme win on the new episode: horseandhound.co.uk/podcast AN elite showjumper's life is lived largely on the road, travelling from one country to another for weekend shows. But on Mondays and Tuesdays, it's often back to the yard for the hard grind that lays the foundations for successful competitions in the future. H&H pays a visit to Joe Stockdale's Northamptonshire yard to find out how he keeps his horses ticking over between shows – and he shares some of his favourite exercises that he practises with his horses of all levels. Exercise one: angling single fences Aim: to jump fences on an angle and dictate which lead to land on. Level: any. You can…

CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND ENFIELD CHACE 4 November Edited by Catherine Austen catherine.austen@futurenet.com @cfausten123…

LEMIEUX QUEST CHAMPIONSHIPS 14–16 November Edited by Oscar Williams oscar.williams@futurenet.com @oscnwilliams LeMieux Quest Championships, Arena UK, Lincs FAMILY horse Garthfach Whisky Rocks, back in action after a year sidelined with injury, took the My Quest under-21 novice title with Megan Harrison and was the linchpin of the triumphant under-21 Quest team, the Joy Riders, producing scores for Megan and older sister Beth that pushed the team to the top. “He switches happily between us,” said Megan, whose individual winning score of 74.87% was the highest of the show. “We have the same trainers, so we ride similarly. I don't really think he notices.” Megan started sharing the Welsh D/thoroughbred when Beth began a veterinary degree at the University of Liverpool. The versatile gelding, who also events, partnered both sisters to…

FRENCH SYMPHONY landed his first pointing victory in the maiden (NWFAA) at Dunsmore for West Midlands farrier William Badlan, riding for his mother Jane and trainer Justin Brotherton. The Mahler six-year-old arrived at Justin's in June from Ben Pauling's yard. “He just didn't make the cut in a big yard,” Justin said. “So, we backed off and got his head right – he much prefers a smaller, quieter yard. Will wanted something he could enjoy and he fits the bill perfectly.” Ridden patiently by Will, he travelled smoothly – a return to three miles was key. “We put a target on the favourite and crept and crept,” Justin said. “We joined him at the last and unfortunately the other horse fell, but thankfully he was okay. I think we'd have…

FROM November onwards, Christmas comes in like a juggernaut. There's no escaping it. Christmas fairs are cropping up here, there and everywhere, summoning fragrant ladies of various ages to shop and sell. There was one near here last week in a pretty village with a castle. It was organised by an artist called Clare, whose studio beside the river must be one of the most picturesque in England. On a wild and filthy day, it was a treat to meet up with a friend, Katie, and meander among the stalls sniffing candles, admiring earrings, bags and bibelots and chatting, of course. Another friend called Annabel was there selling her cushions and homeware. I would kill for one of Annabel's cushions, which are made of a gorgeous Mallorcan fabric, but there…

Edited by Eleanor Jones Share your news story Call 0330 390 6386 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @ jones_eleanor_ THERE are five key things your horse would like you to know - and a beaver's experience could help give equines better lives. These were views shared at the 2025 World Horse Welfare conference (21 November), the theme of which was “Through the horse's eyes”. The aim was to try to see the world as horses do, to help give them good lives from their view, not ours. Janne Winther Christensen, associate professor in ethology, the study of animal behaviour, at Aarhus University, Denmark, shared “five facts I believe our horses would like us to know”. “Horses are sentient beings and they have emotions just like us,” she said. As well as fear and…

CALLS for a harmonised approach to blood rules across disciplines (H&H news, 13 November) are being considered. When contacted by H&H an FEI spokesperson reiterated the federation's position statement, adding that it “will now consider this request and engage in further discussions to determine the appropriate process, scope and timing for any follow-up work”. At an unrelated conference days after the General Assembly, FEI veterinary director Göran Akerström and FEI vet committee member Jenny Hall acknowledged that communication of the showjumping blood rule change could have been better. Dr Hall said: “The veterinary committee completely supported this rule change. Because when you understand the nuances of the everyday rules, this [new rule] is a much more onerous sanction. “It makes a huge difference to the normal jumping shows, because there…

▲ SEEING To the World Horse Welfare conference, where charity president the Princess Royal wondered what one would have seen through the eyes of her first pony. “Not a lot,” she quipped. “A lot of hair.” ▲ CLARITY US police chasing a loose horse nicknamed him Seabiscuit. An official then“clarified Seabiscuit was not the real name - We altered his name to protect the identity of the horse.” No words. ▲ BARGAINS Spotted on social media: “Looking for a man recently scorned, happy to sell his ex-wife's tack for what she told him it cost.” Aren't we all?…

A GIRAFFE who was suffering with a locking stifle is recovering well thanks to a technique used on horses, by a team including equine vets. Woburn Safari Park's Nubian giraffe Sahara was having issues walking, and clicking from her hind legs. Head vet Nathalie Wissink-Argilaga said the team was concerned for Sahara's welfare. “This was one of the most complex cases we've tackled,” she said. “With no precedent in giraffes, we adapted a technique used in horses to stabilise the joint and give her the best chance of recovery.” The team included Woburn vets, an equine surgeon and imager from Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons and a Cambridge Veterinary School anaesthetist. They massaged Sahara's neck to maintain circulation as they performed a minimally invasive tendon-splitting procedure to prevent the joint locking, a…

“I THOUGHT I was going to fall to pieces before it,” Harrison Ashton laughs, recalling the nerves ahead of his team debut at the under-25 European Dressage Championships in Kronberg, Germany. “I couldn't sleep for a week. But it wasn't panic – I was excited. I knew our preparation had been the best it could've been. I had a fantastic horse I believed in, and people who believed in me. I couldn't have done any more.” He was right. Riding Million Dreams - the 10-year-old mare owned by Jesse Honka and his mentor, Finnish Olympian Henri Rouste – Harrison delivered personal bests in all three tests, helping Britain secure team bronze. It was all the more remarkable given the pair had only a handful of tests at that level behind…

HORSES recovering from surgery, injury or illness often need a period of box rest (vet clinic, 20 November). While essential for healing, confinement presents challenges to both welfare and nutrition. Restricted movement and lack of social interaction can increase stress, impair digestion and elevate the risk of gastric and respiratory issues. Simultaneously, energy needs fall, requiring careful dietary adjustment to prevent weight gain or metabolic issues. NUTRITION AND WELFARE STABLED horses are denied natural behaviors such as grazing, walking and socialising. This can lead to stereotypies like crib-biting, weaving or box walking, alongside signs of anxiety and boredom. Physically, reduced movement can result in weight gain, muscle loss, digestive stasis and gastric ulcers. Nutrition plays a critical role in mitigating these effects – an appropriate feeding plan must address both…

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OPINION DO you think that hunting is worth protecting and preserving? Natural hunting with canines is the root of humankind's attempts at survival. Cultures developed from the skills required by a group and community to work together as a team and the rituals and traditions that ensued. The oldest known cave painting of a hunting scene is one of a pig hunt in Indonesia 50,000 years ago. Quite some legacy, I'm sure you'd agree. We have yet to find a cave painting of a salad. These codes of conduct and rituals developed into the etiquette, bonds and customs that hunting activities around the world today portray so iconically. The Kazakh eagle hunters wrapped in furs, mounted on sturdy ponies; the Inuit seal and whale hunters of Alaska and Canada; the…

HIGHLIGHTS 12–23 November Edited by Jennifer Donald jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald DO YOU WANT TO BE ON THIS PAGE? HAVE YOU WON A CLASS? Email jennifer.donald@futurenet.com within 24 hours of your event and please include a contact telephone number Morris EC Winter Classic, Ayrshire SANDY MCLEAN and his great partner Gino F prepared for a three-month trip to Dubai with a win here in the winter grand prix. Three combinations remained clear in John Bedford's 1.40m first round, producing an all-Scottish jump-off, where Sandy edged ahead of Fergal Holohan (CES Celtic Son) from final draw. The consistent Alex Barr and Preben Van De Doornakkers took third. Fourteen-year-old Gino returned to the ring in June following an injury. “He's feeling right back where he was before,” Sandy commented. “I have ridden a lot…

HIGHLIGHTS 17–23 November Edited by Jennifer Donald jennifer.donald@futurenet.com @jen_donald Haydock Park, Lancs WILL we ever see such an effortless Grade One success as Harry Skelton's pitchperfect performance with Grey Dawning, in Saturday's competitive Betfair Chase? The former champion jockey oozed confidence throughout the 3m 1½f contest, with the popular grey clearing the Haydock birch with apparent glee. However, as his rivals turned the screws entering the home straight, Skelton sat motionless. He even had the bottle for a gentle tug of the reins. Finally, having cleared the final fence eyeball-to-eyeball with gallant 11-year-old Royale Pagaille (Charlie Deutsch), Skelton pressed the accelerator button as late as halfway up the run-in and off they went, sashaying to victory by the easiest 2¾ lengths you're ever likely to witness. IMAGE OF THE WEEK…

KING'S AWARD FOR TOP RDA GROUP THE Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled Group has won The King's award for voluntary service. The honour, the highest a voluntary group can be given and equivalent to an MBE, was awarded in recognition of the group's “outstanding contribution” to the community. It offers equine-assisted therapy, supporting some 160 people every year. The group's Peggy Douglas MBE said: “We are absolutely delighted our work has been recognised in this way. Our volunteers, horses and participants come together as a community, and this award honours every single one of them. It motivates us to carry on and expand what we offer, so more people can experience the fun, freedom and therapy that horses bring.” MASTERS RETURNS TO HICKSTEAD BRITISH DRESSAGE (BD) riders from prelim…

Top jockeys Harry Skelton (pictured) and his wife Bridget have welcomed their second child. Anna, a sister to their son Rory, was born on 20 November. Former jockey turned racing journalist and author Brough Scott was given the award of merit at the Cartier Racing Awards, for his huge contribution to racing. European champion Laura Collett topped British Eventing's 2025 leaderboard for the most wins, recording 25 victories in total this season. Former Badminton course-designer Giuseppe della Chiesa is among the officials confirmed for the 2026 World Championships at Aachen. The German Olympic and European team gold medal-winning dressage rider Frederic Wandres is engaged to his partner Lars Ligus.…

▼ OPERATIONS A vet receptionist reveals that her practice has a phone number one digit different to the local doctors’ surgery. Better than the potential for messages “about that castration you booked…” ▼ SCAMMERS This week's award to the seller of a “17hh thoroughbred stallion”. That's the piebaldest, cobbiest, featheriest, most castrated thoroughbred stallion you'll ever see. ▼ RELEVANCE An email sent to H&H Towers ignited interest as it was titled “How to remove yellow stains” only to find it was on pillowcases, not manes. Apparently the answer is “use mushrooms”. We'll stop there.…

Email to hhletters@futurenet.com Name and address must be included. Letters may be edited. @ horseandhound instagram.com/horseandhound facebook.com/horseandhound ENGAGING INTEREST MY thoughts in relation to making dressage more engaging and enjoyable for riders and spectators alike (comment; 23 October and 6 November) are as follows. From speaking to friends and fellow competitors, and feedback online, it seems the key changes that people want are a relaxing of rules surrounding nosebands and for bitless to be considered as options. I'm sure rules and guidance could ensure they are used correctly and conform to welfare standards. The changes made this year to dress have had a big impact, with people still looking smart but moving away from traditional attire if it feels right for them. “There is too much negativity and pulling people…

I didn't really compete growing up, but we were a big hunting family – my father was a surgeon and relaxed by hunting with the Heythrop. I started work in Lloyds, did a few years in Qatar, came back and decided I wanted to ride around Badminton. I met up with Henrietta Knight and she, Lars Sederholm and Yogi Breisner guided me. I'd go for lessons at 5am and then on into the City. I'm totally dyslexic and Lars would say, “Go down the centre line and turn left,” and I'd turn right, so he made me put an L and an R on my gloves. Hullabaloo was my star horse and best friend. Best friends look after people and he did that many times. In those days we riders…

TARGETED supplements can support recovery in certain cases: digestive supplements with prebiotics and yeast support hindgut health, particularly if antibiotics have been used or if diet changes occur ulcer-prone horses may benefit from gastroprotective agents such as lecithin, pectin and buffering compounds, although veterinary treatment may also be required omega-3 fatty acids from linseed oil or marine sources support joint and immune function vitamin E supplementation is often necessary during periods of box rest, as horses have reduced access to fresh forage. Vitamin E (as d-alpha-tocopherol) is a key antioxidant supporting muscle function, immunity and recovery. Deficiency can lead to stiffness or even neurological symptoms respiratory supplements can also help maintain respiratory health if your horse is at risk of respiratory disease. This can come in the form of omega-3s,…

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FROM Jane Austen: A Family Record we learn that, as children, Jane's five brothers are reported to have hunted “in a scrambling sort of way, upon any pony or donkey that they could procure”. “Frank, one of Jane's older brothers, seems to have been a good entrepreneur,” explains Sophie Reynolds, curator of Jane Austen's House. “When he was seven, he bought a pony for two pounds, 11 shillings and sixpence. It was a bright chestnut, which he called Squirrel. “He went out and hunted the pony and after two years, he sold it and made a pound profit!” Jane Austen's House is home to Frank's red riding coat, which he would have worn atop Squirrel on the hunting field. “We originally thought it might have been cut down and made…