Horse&Rider Magazine - UK equestrian magazine for Horse and Rider Horse&Rider August 2024 Back Issue

Early starts are so much easier at this point in the year, aren’t they? To us there’s nothing worse than days that begin and end in the dark, so we’re at our happiest when the days are longest. We’re sure the positive frame of mind the extra sunshine gives helps with our attitude towards competing, too. This issue, confidence coach Alison Buttery shares her advice for improving outcomes on competition day by managing your mindset, and eventer and trainer Alicia Wilkinson explores how to get your horse to the venue feeling as relaxed and positive as possible.

Does the idea of hacking out fill you with warm, fuzzy feelings? If not, chances are you have a spooky horse. And while it’s a deeply ingrained natural instinct that evolved to help horses survive in the wild, it can feel frustrating – even scary – when your horse spooks. This issue, expert Debbie Marsden explains more and shares her advice on what to do when your horse spooks.

As die-hard horsey obsessives, the whole of Team H&R would tell you there’s nowhere better to work. But if you’re longing for a career change and fancy making horses the focus, what are your options? The good news is that, as our working lives get longer, and work options proliferate, so too do the options to make a change. This month, Sub Editor Halima has been exploring the options for upskilling, diversifying your experience and potentially finding a completely new career focus. It was inspiring to hear from different providers, all of who – as well as catering to those in a position to study full time – have options for those of us not in a position to focus solely on education. So, if you’ve been thinking of a change, and a career in the equestrian industry appeals, maybe 2024 can be your year.