to the April 2025 issue
One of the most special things about working on Horse&Rider is the endless knowledge transfer from the inspiring experts we work with. The more I learn, the more I realise how much I still need to understand, but I know that being openminded to changing my outlook is the key to bettering the wellbeing of the horses I come into contact with.
This issue, Anna Haines discusses a subject that, when I was younger, I don’t think registered with many people
– the subtle signs our horses show that demonstrate fear or discomfort. It makes for sobering reading, not least because all of us will be able to think of a time we’ve seen these signs without realising what they mean. But knowledge is power, so empower yourself to be a better horse owner with her advice on p54.
Until next month
THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS
Louise
Editor-in-Chief
as enjoying training
DON’T MISS...
Join the Horse&Rider Subscriber Club and receive a sweatshirt, worth £32.95, on p98!
Going crosscountry schooling is an important part of training, but establishing the basics at home will help set you up for success. On p34, Georgie talks through introducing skinnies to your horse.
Horses are masters at masking pain which is why it’s so important to understand the subtle signs they show. Anna explains how science is improving the lives of our horses on p54.
You don’t have to spend hours in the saddle to boost your horse’s mobility. Gillian shares her fun and e ective exercises that can be done from the comfort of your stable on p100.
Whether you’re aiming for the top or fancy having a go at some trickier moves, Gareth reveals his canter exercises that will help you form the foundations, on p28.
As the grass starts to grow and the longer days a ect your horse’s management and exercise routines, it’s important to ensure he’s getting all the nutrient he needs.
Stephanie shares her advice on p94.
Georgie Goss
Louise was bitten by the horsey bug at age two, and has ridden and owned horses ever since, competing in eventing as well
her horses – and herself: she’s a BHS Int SM.
Kittle,
Anna Haines
Gareth Hughes
Stephanie Wood
Gillian Higgins
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief Louise Kittle
Assistant Editor Sarah Burgess
Sub Editor Halima Crabtree
Staff Writer Nicky Moffatt
Editorial Assistants Kirsty Lucas, Megan Xavier-Witherington
DESIGN
Head of Art and Design Sarah Garland
Deputy Head of Art and Design Adam Witt
Designer Lucy Claydon
ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Commercial Director Abi Cannon
Advertisement Manager Evie Edgar
Production Manager Eleanor Dunn
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Digital Marketing Manager Lianne Tadd
Marketing Assistants Alex Uren, Emily Weeks
Art Editor Paul Smail
For advertising queries, please call Main office 01428 601020
Abi Cannon 01428 601028
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OPERATIONS
Managing Director Zoe Cannon
Accounts Manager Caroline Leishman
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Office Manager Vicki Owen
DJ Murphy is an Associate Member of the British Equestrian Trade Association
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We are committed to equine welfare as the core principle of all we do. We work hard to create content that supports readers to better care for, understand and ride their horses, helping to inform and educate with the goal of benefitting equine wellbeing and supporting the strengthening of the equine-human bond. We uphold these aims in everything we do.
The last year has been a tricky one for me and Prince, with a number of health issues to deal with. I was prepared for caring for him through the tough times – he is 19 this year – but not for the way it would make me feel. And so reading Alison’s piece on p60 on coping with horse health issues was incredibly reassuring.
One thing I wanted to share with you that’s really helped me is colour coding each day: green=good, amber=in-between, red=not good. I make a note without overthinking it and, actually, I can see that we are making steady progress. I don’t know that after-work gallops along the beach are on the cards any more, but now I can start to see a more positive future with the horse who’s given me so many amazing experiences.
Sarah Burgess, Assistant Editor
DON’T MISS Towing Q&A on p118.
Lessons learned
Our recent revelations...
Not having a long-term goal or plan is okay, and being present is often more important. Sarah, Assistant Editor
Keeping the canter round the corner means you’re more likely to meet the jump on a good stride!
Alex, Marketing Assistant
With Kinder o! work I’ve realised that I don’t need to ride to enjoy spending time with him. Kirsty, Editorial Assistant
DJMur phy
PART FOUR
Reach for
the stars
Aiming for the top? Gareth Hughes’ canter exercises will set you up for the future and improve your horse’s performance
The movements watched in awe by spectators at the Olympic Games last year are what dreams are made of – but there’s no reason why those dreams can’t become a reality. There are plenty of ways you can level up your schooling by incorporating the principles represented at Grand Prix and practising exercises that will help lay the foundations needed to achieve moves such as pia e and passage later on. On a practical level, there are three things you and your horse need to learn in canter if you want to reach Grand Prix – half-pass, flying changes and pirouettes.
Exercise 1: Sideways motion
Half-pass is the first lateral movement I teach in canter. This movement is required at Medium level and above and it’s important to get it right because, as you progress, it will form the basis for many of the movements seen at top level. Half-pass is also excellent for improving balance, suppleness and engagement generally. But before you attempt it, your horse needs to already have a good basis from which to work. How to ride it
1. Start by picking up an active canter large around the arena.
EXPERT
Gareth Hughes is a Team GB bronze, silver and gold medallist in dressage. He was the dressage coach for the Australian eventing team and also the Swiss Dressage technical advisor. He runs Hughes Dressage, based in Warwickshire.
TOP TIP
Always do an exercise at least twice. This helps consolidate what your horse is learning and ensures you can replicate the level of quality you’ve produced.
The exercises you’ll ride to learn these will form the foundations you’ll rely on as you build up to achieving more, so start perfecting them today.
2. As you ride around the short side, ask your horse for shoulder-in.
3. Then, as you turn the corner, slowly ride towards the centre line, keeping your horse’s body parallel to the long side while maintaining bend. To do this, look and shift your weight towards the direction of movement. Meanwhile, press against the girth with your outside leg to create the sideways motion and use your inside leg to maintain the forward motion. Your inside hand should remain soft throughout while keeping the bend. The easier a horse is in the shaping aid the more sideways you can go.
DID YOU KNOW?
If your horse starts to find half-pass physically di cult due to weakness, he’ll try to hide by dropping behind the contact. If this happens, ride forward again and try once more with less angle.
TOP TIP
Half-pass from the centre line to the track, followed by counter-canter on the short side and medium canter back across diagonal, helps to refresh the canter and keep your horse thinking.
On the straight and narrow
Learn how to confidently tackle accuracy questions with advice from top eventer Georgie Goss
EXPERT
Georgie Goss is an international eventer based in Wiltshire. She’s won two team gold medals at the Young Rider Europeans and has completed Badminton nine times.
Asuccessful crosscountry round is all about the preparation you put in beforehand. And while going crosscountry schooling is an important part of that, it’s important not to overlook the value of work in your arena at home. By practising your
technique over trickier fences at home, you’ll set yourself up for a confident round.
In this feature, I’m going to look at how to ride skinny fences. Not only do they require your horse to be bold and straight through his body, but they’re also the ultimate test of a rider’s accuracy.
Skinnies are a good test for horse and rider and a great aid to your jump training, even if you don’t plan to compete
love Feel the
Alison Buttery helps you ride the rollercoaster of emotions when your horse has a health issue
EXPERT
Alison Buttery is a certified mindset and confidence coach, a BHS APC senior coach and an experienced rider, who specialises in helping riders overcome their nerves. She’s also the founder of The Everyday Equestrian.
Owning horses is a journey that, without doubt, brings joy, partnership, connection, personal growth and exhilaration, but also has its challenges, especially when you’re faced with horse health issues. These times can feel di cult, but o er opportunities to strengthen your bond and explore new experiences. Furthermore, by developing resilience, compassion and hope, you’ll grow as a rider and owner, too.
Moving goalposts
When your horse’s health takes an unexpected turn, it’s natural to feel upset or overwhelmed. You may have to adjust your goals, or accept that certain activities are no longer possible. But these changes, while challenging, can open the door to new opportunities, while forcing us to pause and reassess what truly matters. In doing so, they encourage us to appreciate the quieter, everyday moments with our horses – ones we might otherwise take for granted.
We can also acquire patience, adaptability and ways of finding creative solutions – for example, groundwork or liberty training instead of jumping. These activities can keep your horse engaged while deepening your understanding of his needs and capabilities.
By developing resilience, compassion and hope, you’ll grow as a rider and owner
Fit
purpose for
Part three: upper body
Increasing your upper body strength can boost your riding enjoyment, as Henry Carter explains
As a rider you need to be able to maintain your posture in a way that means you can communicate e ectively with your horse. Your upper body is responsible for this, as well as your core control and stability and arm endurance, so it’s important to be strong in this region.
However, being strong isn’t about the physical impact against your horse, such as pulling on the reins. It’s about being able to sit tall for an extended period of time so you can stay in balance independently as well as maintaining a good contact while being gentle on your horse’s mouth so you don’t impede his balance or performance.
So, no matter if you prefer a quiet hack through the countryside or compete at a high level, keep your horse happier in his work by implementing my upper body workout into your routine.
EXPERT
Henry Carter MSc is a strength and conditioning coach who specialises in rider performance, and owner of Optimal Equestrian Performance.
Photos: Jon Stroud. With thanks to NAF for their help with this feature, naf-equine.eu/uk
&Keep calm carry on
Kate Hore explains how a little nutritional support can give your horse a calmer outlook on life
EXPERT
Kate Hore RNutr(Animal) is an animal nutritionist who’s specialised in supplementary nutrition for over 25 years. She’s head nutritionist at NAF and sits on the BETA Feed Committee, advising the industry and horse owners on good nutrition practice.
Whatever you do with your horse, life becomes so much easier if he remains calm and with his mind on the job in hand.
In recent years, calmers have become ever-more popular, but can they be helpful, and how do you make the right choice for your situation? We explore more.
Natural reaction
Having evolved as prey animals, horses are naturally cautious and on the lookout for anything that could be perceived as a threat. However, their inbuilt reaction of ‘run first, ask questions later’ isn’t always appropriate for the domesticated equine lifestyle.
Mental load
Some common causes of anxiety include...
1. New environment
2. Change of herd members
3. Novel experiences
4. Removal from the herd
5. Change of carers
6. Pain
7. Routine changes
In general terms, a well-designed training programme, together with a good management regime that suits his temperament, will help your horse understand what’s expected of him. But, for some who need extra support, the inclusion of a nutritional calmer in the diet is an important part of that approach.
