Innholdsfortegnelse for 30-Oct-2025 i Horse & Hound

A NEW study looks into how humans can hold conflicting thoughts about horse welfare at the same time – and how they reconcile and rationalise their actions to quieten those uncomfortable feelings. “But my horse is well cared for” is the title quote from the study, published in Animal Welfare. It found these mental processes appear to be “a barrier to change”, and researchers hope the findings can be useful in informing human behaviour change to improve horse welfare. Researchers at the University of Lincoln took on “a qualitative exploration of cognitive dissonance and enculturation in equestrian attitudes toward performance horses and their welfare”. “We wanted to look at how we help people see things differently” ERICA CHEUNG Cognitive dissonance is “a state in which there is a difference between your…

NATIONAL HUNT 2025/26 season preview OVER the past decade, the trailblazing queen of jump racing Rachael Blackmore cemented her status as the most successful female jump jockey of all time. The pioneering athlete delivered a string of seminal triumphs, most notably in her historic 2021 Grand National victory. Aged 35, Rachael completed her legacy when she hung up her boots at the end of last season. She had proved to an adoring new audience that, with a generous dose of talent and ambition, a jockey's gender is irrelevant and anything is possible. “I don't feel male or female – I don't even feel human,” she said after winning Aintree's showpiece on the Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Times Rachael spearheaded a wealth of inspirational female talent, which started with Lorna Vincent…

AMERICA'S Emily Hamel and Corvett (Barry) joined David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed as only the second horse and rider combination to complete all six northern-hemisphere five-stars. The 18-year-old Holsteiner finished 14th, climbing from 42nd after dressage with a spring-heeled double clear. Barry has completed two five-stars every season since his debut at Kentucky 2021, with seventh at Maryland 2024 his best placing. “He's the best horse – I feel like I could jump anything on him, he tries his heart out,” said Emily. “Our partnership really shone through this week. I love him so much.” TALKING POINT After his holiday, Barry may return to Kentucky, with Emily saying: “I don't think he's ready to retire yet!”…

LOUISE BRADLEY piloted Oriel and Honor Gordon's Ardeo Gold, a 10-year-old daughter of Numero Uno, into top spot in novice section E at Oasby (3), the mare's first win. “She's a new ride for me this season so it's been a year of getting to know each other. We really felt like we were on the same page which was great – the win was the icing on top,” said Louise, who runs a competition yard in Buckinghamshire. “She's a lovely mare who loves her job. We've been working hard on her straightness and connection on the flat and she produced the kind of work in her test that we've been getting at home so I was really pleased.” FIRST WIN The season is not yet over for the pair…

TOM FRAY enjoyed a “nearly perfect end to the season” when he recorded one victory and two second places at Oasby. “It hasn't been plain sailing with these horses. For their owners to put their faith in me and for us to get results like this make all the hard work worthwhile,” said Tom. Caroline Middleton's Marvellous Miss Mouse was Tom's winning partner in BE90 section Q. The pair produced a double clear to complete on their first-phase mark of 30. “She was a challenging young lady and was intermittently not sound. The vet found a tear in her deep digital flexor tendon so she had annular ligament surgery in summer 2024 and required a year off,” continued Tom. “The surgery has been an amazing cure and she has shown…

Herning CDI, Denmark DESPITE flying solo at an overseas show, British rider Harrison Ashton pulled off an accomplished double win with his relatively inexperienced mare Million Dreams. “It was quite scary, but it paid off,” said German-based Harrison, who won both the Lövsta Future Challenge under-25 grand prix and freestyle in the absence of his owner and trainer, Henri Ruoste, and groom, Johann Hutter, who were tied up with a family holiday and a wedding. “I always have so much help, but this was a chance to get to know much more about ‘Millie’.” Harrison, who was grateful for the support of under-25 chef d'equipe Tom Hobday at the show, gave an assured performance with Millie in a The Greatest Showman-themed freestyle to win with 75%. “It's been a big,…

Northallerton EC, N Yorks BILLY DAVIDSON and Sammy G took the Equiyd 1.10m qualifier, jumping the fastest of two double clears by almost five seconds to collect their qualification for the Aintree final. “We were early, so we had to give it a go, and everyone who followed seemed to have a fault trying to catch us,” said Billy, who has qualified for the championships several times but never been. “Work always seems to get in the way but I think we might try this year. He's a quick horse so it will be worth a chance.” Billy bought 14-year-old Sammy as a three-year-old out of Ireland. “He's never needed a day off or a vet, he's hard as nails,” said Billy, who has five horses at home, all produced…

Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside FRIENDS of the late boxer Ricky Hatton, who died last month aged 46, revealed their prayers were answered when Hitman won the Grade Two William Hill Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase on Sunday. “He did that for Ricky,” said co-owner Ged Mason, who sponsored Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton early in his career and bought the French-bred gelding because of his name. The Paul Nicholls-trained Hitman was running in the race for the fourth time, having twice finished as bridesmaid. Given a determined ride from rising star Freddie Gingell, the 9/1 shot travelled ominously well behind the leaders, picking up two fences from home and the lofty gelding never looked like being caught. “Hopefully Ricky is smiling down at us,” said Mason, who is donating all Hitman's prize…

A REDUCTION in eventing flag penalties and double bridles being optional at CDI3* could apply from 2026. The final draft of the rules to go to the vote at the FEI General Assembly (4-7 November) has been published following feedback. Federations will vote on a new rule that will bring abuse protocols in line across the board. The FEI proposed that by 2027 national federations must have rules covering abuse of horses, and harassment and abuse, “generally consistent” with FEI provisions. “These will help prevent cruelty, promote responsible horsemanship and uphold the integrity of the sport,” said the FEI. “By setting clear standards and consequences for abusive behaviour, national federations will protect both the horses and the reputation of equestrians, striving to align with FEI rules as much as possible.”…

THERE'S no better advocate for the joy of seeing familiar sights with fresh eyes than Guy Lavender, installed as the new CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse at the start of the year. His first Festival in March as the man in charge felt entirely different to the many times he'd attended as a racegoer. “Waking up on Festival morning, knowing what's coming… walking out on a cold morning, walking round the racecourse – it's electric,” he says. “That first morning is very special; the roar is pretty magical”. The former British Army officer, and former CEO of the Marylebone Cricket Club for seven years, had just two months in situ before the most prestigious four days of racing in the National Hunt calendar, with much riding on it. In 2024, numbers…

HOW best to keep a horse sound is at the forefront of most horse owners’ minds and is often a source of worry and of great debate. Of course, a myriad of factors contribute to the onset of lameness in horses working across all disciplines, but being proactive and doing what we can to reduce the risks of development of lameness makes common sense. Paying careful attention to the health and shape of a horse's feet is never time wasted. The hoof pastern axis (HPA) is a term used by vets and farriers to describe the alignment of the three distal phalanges, namely the long pastern bone (1 on the image, right), the short pastern bone (2) and the pedal bone (3) relative to the front (dorsal aspect) of the…

CHANGING from a summer to a winter feeding regime can be challenging, especially for owners with good- or poor-doers. This year, the impact of an unusually dry summer on hay yields and winter grazing means managing the changing seasons may require more creative solutions than usual. “The reduced grass growth in many areas may mean that poor-doers don't have extra weight they can afford to lose this winter. These fields will also be prone to poaching, so forage will need to be supplemented sooner,” explains Tracey Hammond, senior nutritionist at Dengie Horse Feeds. “In some areas, there may be forage shortages, which could mean you have less choice over what forage you use,” she adds. This can be problematic for poor-doers if the only hay available is low-quality, or for…

“Racing is the greatest leveller” CONDITIONAL jockey Tabitha Worsley, 30, grew up on the hunting field and a successful spell in pony racing was the springboard to National Hunt. She was crowned champion amateur in 2019 before turning professional. Her career highlights include Top Wood winning the Foxhunters’ Chase at Aintree, where she also rode her family's beloved Sub Lieutenant to finish 14th in the Grand National, and riding “incredibly difficult horse” Go West Young Man to victory in the Perth Silver Cup. “I love quirky horses!” says Tabitha (pictured, right). She rides freelance rather than attaching herself to one stable. “That has its pros and cons. Sometimes you could do with a big job that gives you stability, but I love working for the smaller yards where you can…

SIDNEY BAILEY was still at the top of his profession, hunting the VWH hounds, when I called at the Meysey Hampton kennels on a Monday morning in 2002. Martin Scott, breeder of the VWH hounds, had asked if they could borrow a Cattistock stallion hound, Daresbury 99, and I was on my way from my home in Dorset to the Masters of Foxhounds Association office at Bagendon, where I was director. It was a sunny morning with a white frost and blue sky, when Sidney came out of his house, half dressed for hunting, to collect the doghound. “It looks like a terrible scenting day,” I said. “Not the sort of day a huntsman looks forward to.” “Ah, but I bet they'll run tonight when it freezes again. We'll have…

HIGHLIGHTS 15–19 October DO YOU WANT TO BE ON THIS PAGE? HAVE YOU WON A SECTION? Email eventinghighlights@gmail.com within 24 hours of your event and please include a contact telephone number TOM MCEWEN and Brookfield Danny De Muze clinched the prestigious seven-year-old championship at Le Lion d'Angers, while the sixyear-old class was awarded to Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Tara Van Het Leliehof. Two-time Olympic gold medallist Tom was in second place after the cross-country with Chloe and John Perry and Alison Swinburn's Irish Sport Horse but a clear showjumping round elevated them into first place after a rail cost long-time leaders Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Helios the win – and the Belgian rider a double victory. “I felt we made a few mistakes on Thursday in the dressage, but he…

Allens Hill Equestrian Competition Centre, Worcs RISING partnership Leonie Brown and her own PRE gelding Willy II won both advanced medium tests. “I'm so lucky that he has been beautifully and slowly trained,” Leonie said. “Although it has taken me a few months to get to know his personality. “He often over-tries in the ring, so I've had to work hard to get him confident enough to show how amazing he can be.” The 15.2hh Senescal III son, bought from the Yeguada Dehesa Cabeza Rubia stud in Spain, will be aimed at his first prix st georges after a trip to the British Dressage Associated Championships. “He can be such a joy to train and so light and sensitive,” added Leonie. “That's how I like to ride, so we're a…

CHAMPION jockey Sean Bowen racked up his 11th win of the week in Friday's Holland Cooper “Chasing Excellence” Novices’ Chase aboard the Olly Murphy-trained Alnilam. Bowen, 28, rode four-timers at Perth and Worcester on consecutive days in the run-up to Cheltenham. “Things are going great, but a big mention to Olly Murphy. To have his horses in this sort of form is incredible. I've never been so excited going into a season,” said Bowen, who is already 69 winners clear in the jockeys’ championship, his closest rival being brother James.…

THREE racing families enjoyed success on day one of Cheltenham's season opener. There were emotional scenes when 17-year-old conditional jockey Freddie Keighley fulfilled a childhood dream to ride his first Cheltenham winner for his father, local trainer Martin Keighley, led up by his brother Harry. “This is the one place I wanted to have a winner and I didn't think I'd have it this early in my career,” said Freddie, whose victory came with 22/1 shot De Temps En Temps (pictured) in Friday's Champions: Full Gallop Streaming on ITVX Novices’ Hurdle. The Skelton brothers, Dan and Harry, teamed up for a winning double with Fortune De Mer in the Grade Two Oddschecker Novices’ Hurdle and “good old servant” Calico in the squareintheair.com Handicap Chase, before Lily Bradstock landed the 3m…

SELLERS of horses will be asked to declare details in writing to prospective buyers, cutting out the vet as the “middleman”. The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has introduced a pre-purchase examination (PPE) seller's declaration as part of an online toolkit for vets. The seller's declaration was part of BEVA's pre-purchase worksheet, containing questions for the vet to ask the seller. This declaration, which has been revised with the support of British Equestrian (BEF) and the British Horse Society (BHS), is a more extensive standalone document. Prospective buyers are recommended to ask the seller for a completed copy before booking the formal PPE. “The declaration will iron out the PPE process to make it smoother and more efficient for all three parties: buyer, seller and vet,” said BEVA veterinary projects…

BRITISH DRESSAGE (BD) has released its first figures under its equine welfare action plan, fulfilling a commitment to increase transparency on horse welfare in competition. The figures, presented at this year's AGM, cover all welfare-related cases, which are handled confidentially. In total, 427 eliminations were recorded for the year to date, 84 (19.7%) of which were welfare-related. Of these, 57 were owing to soundness issues, 15 to blood, and 12 for “other”, unspecified, reasons. Welfare-related eliminations accounted for 0.14% of tests, and 150 welfare reports were submitted to BD head office. BD said 14 cautions or formal warnings were issued. Eight cases were referred to its welfare and ethics group, four upheld. Five cases were referred to the disciplinary panel; two upheld and three ongoing. Two individuals are suspended pending…

CELEBRITIES and top riders are among those backing calls to strengthen laws on fireworks, which the Government has essentially dismissed. Nearly 60,000 people have signed a petition started by Redwings, calling for the maximum noise of fireworks to be 90 rather than 120 decibels. The Government has responded, which it must to any petition with 10,000 signatures or more. Three Redwings equine residents have died as a result of firework use, and the charity has been campaigning. “We think each year, individuals suffer because of loud fireworks,” the charity's petition states. “We believe horses, dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife can be terrified by noisy fireworks and many people find them intolerable. “Keep horses in mind” JOE STOCKDALE “We believe lower noise levels would allow fireworks to be enjoyed while potentially reducing…

I grew up on a dairy farm and my brother and I were fortunate to have ponies. Our first was a naughty little Shetland called Star – if my mum was there, he was an angel; the rest of the time, he was an absolute horror. But he was great fun and taught us all a huge amount. My dad was livestock manager at Blenheim, so it's a very special place for me. I have lots of wonderful memories from there. One of my earliest horsey memories was going to Olympia at Christmas, probably on a Pony Club coach. One year, Lorenzo the Flying Frenchman was doing a display. We came home and my mum found my brother and me “being Lorenzo” on the back of Rupert, our lovely little…

WYCK HOUSE Wyck Rissington, Cheltenham, Glos For you: an expansive four- to five-bedroom home in a Cotswolds setting. Highlights include a high-specification interior including extensive wood panelling, a large kitchen with a range cooker, a swimming pool and leisure facilities, underfloor heating and many fireplaces throughout the ground and first floors. With additional rooms for living, working and storage on the second floor. For your horse: six stables in a U-shaped yard, complete with tack, rug and feed rooms, a wash box, a kitchenette and two WCs. There is a 40x60m Martin Collins arena. Set in more than 21 acres. £8m Fisher German, 01295 271555, fishergerman.co.uk THE FURNACE Horam, Heathfield, E Sussex For you: a Grade II-listed country house with five bedrooms. Highlights include light oak joinery throughout, a drawing…

“I'm getting lots of opportunities” A CAREER in showjumping was 7lb claimer Izzi Ryder's original dream but she “transitioned into racing without even realising” when she finished school. The 23-year-old started out with Lambourn trainer Gary Brown before joining Jamie Snowdon in May. Earlier this month she hit flying form, racking up three quick-fire winners. “My short-term goal is to ride out my 7lb claim,” says Izzi (pictured, right). “To win twice in six days on Roger Pol was quite an achievement and I've won twice on Doc McCoy, who was my first ride for Jamie – he got me off to a good start! “Moving to Jamie's felt like the next step and he's been great, giving me lots of opportunities. He gives me Friday mornings off to go…

IF anyone deserved a win at Bicton, it was Avon and Somerset PC Helen du Heaume, whose victory aboard the skewbald Selle Français, Alvescot Extraordinaire, in BE90 3DE section F followed an “absolute nightmare” in which a yard fire in July destroyed her lorry, stables and everything in them. “A friend set up a GoFundMe page and raised over £6,000 and now we have to rebuild,” said Helen. “We're here today with borrowed stuff, from rugs to haynets, and all thanks to the local community. I've been an emotional wreck this week, but my friends have been so supportive. This win is like a dream come true. I don't think I can top it and perhaps I'd better retire now,” she joked. Helen described her 13-year-old gelding as “a horse…

TOPPING the leaderboard in BE90 section D were Alix Palmer and her home-bred six-year-old Anastasia F Z. “I thought I'd won but then there was a mess-up with my time – they took 30 seconds off so they thought I'd gone too quick – but the stewards sorted it out, which was a relief. It was a proud moment to have my home-bred win a red rosette,” said the small animal vet. Anastasia F Z is by Amiro Z out of Alix's old warmblood eventer, Stormhill Final Fling,. David Sheerin and Strait To The Point, Ruth and Ron Rietdyk's five-year-old Irish gelding, proved the pair to beat in BE100 section H. They added one showjumping time-penalty to their third-placed dressage mark of 24.5 to triumph in the 31-strong section. “I…

SOUTHERLY ROBERTS returned from a severe concussion on blazing form, winning the Bliss of London winter novice qualifier at Merrist Wood, Surrey, on the 148cm Connemara Alice Of Clooneen (pictured), as well as taking two other classes on Carga Batman. The show followed a successful outing at Parwood EC, where she took five wins on three different horses. “I had a severe concussion at the Wales and West Derby meeting, where I'd taken Alice to her first British Showjumping show,” Southerly said. “I'd gone out to feed the horses and the wind smacked a stable door into my head. Around midnight I started having serious symptoms of concussion and at 3am I was found a bit delirious and was blue-lighted to hospital!” Southerly was able to launch seven-year-old Alice's career…