Festive favourite

Welcome to December 2023 issue

With British Summer Time an increasingly distant memory,

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS

Meg Elphick Polework can help improve any horse’s

What we've been up to this month...

Spending a day with equine vet and event

The hub

HORSE WORLD

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DREAM HORSEY HOMES

Imagine life in your ideal equestrian property with our selection

Next month in HORSE & RIDER

Be the best rider you can be

My life with horses

Jen is a vet and director of Rose Cottage Veterinary Centre, and part of her role involves working with zoo animals. She has three horses and two rescue dogs

A showcase for innovation

BETA International is a major trade show in the equestrian business calendar and Horse&Rider was proud to sponsor its New Product Showcase for 2023

Horsey Post

Charity cards to spread the horsey Christmas magic!

This month we love

Take a look at some of our favourite horsey products

Cross the boundaries

Vet and event rider Jess Campbell reveals how to maximise your horse’s training and reap the benefits

Perfect paces

In this feature. . . ➤ What to look for in walk, trot and canter ➤ Exercises to improve your horse’s paces ➤ Problem solving

Cavaletti: three ways

Meg Elphick’s easy exercises will help keep you inspired through the winter months

Building on the basics

In this feature. . . ➤ Teach simple changes ➤ Develop medium trot ➤ The importance of transitions ➤ How to introduce travers

6 secrets to jump to winning offs

Looking to polish up your performance in the showjumping arena? We’re here to help

Being your best self

Managing your mindset and practising self-care could be your keys to better riding, says Alison Buttery

Think outside the box

Knowing what your horse is thinking can play a big part in developing a trusting partnership 

In specialist care

Vet Moses Brennan explains what’s involved when your horse is referred to an equine hospital for treatment or diagnostics

Skin deep

Sarcoids are common in horses but can be unpredictable and hard to treat, as vet Ralph Maalouf explains

Tail troubles

My horse’s tail is really sparse – is there anything I can do to help?

Let’s worm together

I’m on a busy livery yard – if my horse has a positive worm egg count, what’s the best way to deal with it?

Hot stuff

My friend uses a hot-water bottle on her horse’s back before she rides. Why is this?

Homing instinct

My horse is really reluctant to hack alone, but if I box and take him to another location he’s perfect. Why is this?

Winter woes

The winter tends to make me want to give up riding, and I really struggle to feel positive about things I do with my horse. How can I stay motivated through the shorter days?

Grumpy gelding

My gelding is becoming protective over the mare in the next field. What can I do to stop him from being aggressive towards other geldings in his paddock?

Colour co-ordinated

Do horses see in colour?

Red nose day

What does it mean if my horse has regular nosebleeds?

Happy retirement

Is there any appropriate age to retire my horse from ridden work?

Flawless fit

How can I measure my head to check what hat size I am?

A stitch in time

I want my horse’s rugs to last as long as possible – do you have any tips?

Better bitting

What are the differences between the various bit materials?

Building blocks

How can I stop my horse refusing when jumping?

Enough is enough

How can I tell if I’m riding my young horse too much?

Memory test

I often forget my dressage test due to nerves. What can I do?

Stress buster

I get very stressed at shows and snap at my partner. What can I do to help stop this?

Wonderful walking

What is a judge looking for in the free walk?

Share& share alike

If approached in the right way, finding a suitable sharer for your horse can be a stress-free experience

MANAGEMENT 101: old horses

Part one: Groundwork

More time ride to

Save valuable minutes on yard tasks this winter to enjoy more time in the saddle

Dietary dilemmas

Nutritional experts answer your winter feeding queries

Plan & protect

Looking after your pasture in winter needn’t be onerous if you take a practical and considered approach

Coat care

Keep your horse’s coat looking and feeling its best this winter with our skin-care tips