Back to basics with Geoff Billington

Welcome

HORSE&RIDER September 2021

What we’ve been up to this month...

This month, Team H&R was lucky enough to

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS

Emily King Flatwork was once a necessary evil

Dream on!

If we could ride one famous horse, past

WIN COMPETITION OUTFITS FROM PIKEUR

WORTH MORE THAN £500 TWO LUCKY WINNERS WILL

Feeding Stereotypes - which one is yours?

The Fat One ‘The Fat One’ is always

PERFECT PRIZES!

2 TO WIN! Tag it Two lucky winners

FREE* EQUI-N-ICE ICESOCKS

Worried about the effect of hard ground on

Going for gold

September 2021

Horse AND Rider hub

If you want to comment on an article in H&R or share your thoughts, then drop a line to Letters Editor Kiera Boyle

Back with a bang

News

Over and out

Photos: Jon Stroud German eventer Ingrid Klimke won’t

MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB

A pair of donkeys found wandering loose in

Forever and always

Equine charity HAPPA is delighted to work in

Movie magic

A new generation of pony lovers is set

Destination Tokyo

With eight Paralympic gold medals, and five world titles to her name, Sophie Christiansen is one of the biggest success stories in Paralympic history. H&R takes a look at her incredible journey to the top

Next month in Horse AND Rider

ON SALE 19 AUGUST TRICKY COMBINATIONS WITH TINA

Knees up

What can you do in your training to better your chances of a clear round? According to showjumper Yazmin Pinchen, this grid’s sure to help

Stride into summer

From perfect footing to foliage in full bloom, here are 13 reasons to smile on your rides this summer

Round the bend

Upgrading your 10m circles can unlock plenty of hidden benefits – find out how with Emily King

Baby steps

Whether your horse is inexperienced, spooky or had a lockdown-induced cross-country break, Tina Cook shows you how to tackle your next schooling session with confidence

A relationship for results

We all want the best possible relationship with our horses, but what’s the best way to go about it? Sue Palmer shares four easy-to-follow steps

Choose confidence

PART TWO

A foot in the door

The wellbeing of your horse’s hooves is the basis for his overall health and performance – learn more with vet Lucy Grieve

Call on me

A first aid kit is an essential for every horse owner in case of minor injuries. Avoid a first aid faux pas with our handy guide to using it

Q&A ASK THE EXPERTS

Sally Andrews is a List 2 dressage judge,

Fill him up

I’ve recently bought an ex-racehorse off the track and want to make sure I get his diet right. He’ll spend several months out at grass, but I’d like to improve his condition before I start working him. Should I be giving him a bucket feed and, if so, what?

Cold as ice

What’s cold shoeing and are there any benefits of it over hot shoeing?

Safeguarding

There have been some break-ins at yards nearby recently. How can I keep mine protected?

Power through

I’m finding it really tough to stay positive and feel like I’m making progress in my riding, even though objectively I know I’ve improved. Is there a way to focus more on the bright side?

On the move

My horse won’t eat from his haynet in the horsebox. Why might this be?

Picture perfect

My friend uses visualisation to help her at competitions. What is this and could it help me feel more confident on show day?

Foot first

What’s founder? Is it just another word for laminitis?

Drinking problem

My horse drinks and wees a lot more than the other horses on the yard. Why might this be? Is it a problem?

‘Ear, ‘ear

My horse has some wax at the base of one ear, but not the other. Should I be worried?

Safe as horses

What testing process do helmets go through before being sold?

Buyer beware

I’m looking at a horse to buy, but he’s quite turned in below the knee. How might this affect him?

Breath of fresh air

My horse has to go on box rest for a couple of months. What sort of bedding options are there for horses who struggle with dust?

Walk away

I never score well for my free walk on a long rein because my horse tends to get faster as soon as I loosen my contact. How can we practise this?

Onward bound

I’m struggling to train my horse to understand that my leg can mean different things – not just go faster! Are there any exercises that can help him understand that I want him to lengthen rather than quicken?

Up and over

When we go cross-country schooling my horse jumps ditches perfectly, but out on course we often pick up faults because he stops to look first. Why might this be?

Cleans up well

My horse has four white socks and getting them clean is a real struggle. What’s the best way to get them sparkling?

Over-prepared

How many fences should I jump in the warm-up at a showjumping competition?

Stay cool

Want to make warmer months on the yard a little bit easier? Check out our savvy life hacks for a summer that runs smoothly

Trust your gut

Maintaining your horse’s digestive system is vital for his all-round health and wellbeing. Joanna shares her advice on keeping him happy from the inside out

On the road again

Keep travel simple with these tips from top-level grooms

Under the brush

Is grooming one of your favourite ways to spend time with your horse? Well, it may have more benefits than you realise

Clearing up clean sport

Clean sport’s a topic that often crops up at elite level, but how relevant is it if you only compete as a hobby? British Equestrian’s Sandra Hill explains

Chaps and gaiters

Looking for a comfortable, functional pair of chaps or gaiters? Check out our practical selection

Boot camp

BUYER’S GUIDE HOOF BOOTS

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DREAM HORSEY HOMES

Imagine life in your ideal equestrian property with our selection