Fitness first

Welcome

HORSE&RIDER Spring 2022

What we’ve been up to this month...

This issue, we introduce the first in our

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS

Sam Griffiths It can be hard to fit

Big and beautiful

The UK’s landscape and industry wouldn’t be what they are without heavy horses. We celebrate these gorgeous giants’ past and present, and look ahead to their future

NOISY NEIGHBOURS

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

Frosty mornings

You shared your pics of horses looking serene, while you’re figuring out how to de-ice the water trough!

Achievement of the month

Rosie Callaghan shares how her horse, Shelegro, went from being given away as a foal to becoming an eventing superstar

Stressed out?

During lockdown, we all got better at recognising

Our favourite follow

Hiding from the storm outside Because heaven blows

The road a head

With new changes to the Highway Code, road users have more guidance on how to safely pass horse riders than ever. We asked you what you thought of the latest advice

TOKYO MEDALLISTS NAMED IN NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST

After an incredible Olympic Games, Team GB’s gold

Charity celebrates record-breaking year for rehoming equines

Photos: Kit Houghton, Kai Försterling/FEI, Bildgentur Zoonar gmbh/Encierro/

Badminton is back after two-year hiatus

Badminton Horse Trials has made major changes to

Harry Hall selects 2022 charity partners

Three equine charities will benefit from donations and

France takes major steps to improve equine welfare

The French government has introduced a suite of

The legend of King Arthur

He’s on Horse&Rider’s radar for 2022, and we think he should be on yours, too – how much do you know about Piggy March’s superstar, Brookfield Inocent

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Prepare for take-off

If you’re a one-horse rider, it can be hard to get in enough practice over fences to see quick improvements. Sam Griffiths’ adaptable polework exercise is here to change that

Triumph in trot

Get set to impress by taking charge of your horse’s trot

From flop to tip-top

Even and plentiful muscle coverage is key to unlocking the peak of your horse’s health and potential. Building his topline is part and parcel of this, but what does it really mean and how do you achieve it?

Go for gridwork

Use our more involved gridwork layout to boost your horse’s technique and get comfortable jumping bigger fences

The long & short of it

Learn to create the perfect showjumping canter with Mark Hallion’s polework pointers

Meet your match

Buying a new horse is a huge decision, so how can you be sure you’re making the right choice? Daisy Smith helps combat the mental obstacles you may face during the process

Best of friends

We’ve all heard how important it is not to leave a horse by himself – but do you know why? H&R explains all

A ticking time bomb?

Redwings vet Nicky Jarvis explains how taking action on worms is simple and will help us protect horses from a looming health crisis

Hard to stomach

While an often frustrating condition, understanding of gastric ulcers has improved considerably in recent years. Vet Leona Bramall tells all

ASK THE EXPERTS

Sally Burton is Head of Sanctuary Care at

Management know-how

Our experts Sally Burton is Head of Sanctuary

Mind matters

Our experts Angie Jones-Moore is an advanced level

Veterinary matters

Our experts Kayleigh Cook BVSc C ertAVP MRCVS

Horsey shopping

Our expert Photos: AnnaElizabeth Photography/Groomee/Marinat197/ Shutterstock.com Hugh Daly

In the saddle

Our experts Victoria Bax is a professional eventer

In brief

Our expert Jayne Turney is an international dressage

Hands on

Learn some simple but effective home massage techniques that you can use on your horse to keep him feeling his best

NEXT-LEVEL long reining

So, you’ve got the hang of the basics of long-reining. What’s next? If you’d like to make the most of your groundwork, here’s how to start bringing lateral work into play

Up to standard

Get prepared for the season ahead with our guide to the latest safety standards and need-to-know rule changes

Feeding frenzy

When it comes to feeding your horse correctly, are you struggling with factors outside of your control? Laura Wilson helps you overcome any obstacles that may arise

Technical tops

Want to invest in purpose-made riding tops that really work? We put a selection to the test

Standout style

BUYER’S GUIDE COMPETITION JACKETS

This month we love…

Take a look at some of our favourite horsey products

HORSEY HOMES

Imagine life in your ideal equestrian property with our selection

MY LIFE with horses

We’re not convinced there are enough hours in the day for everything part-time small animal vet Emma Wilkes fits in, but she shares exactly how she makes it work