Horse & Hound

Published by TI Media Limited Every week Horse & Hound brings horse lovers up-to-date with the latest news and event reports and provides expert equestrian advice on subjects including training and horse care, the latest equine products and feed. The weekly features inform and entertain inspiring readers to go out and ride to improve their horsemanship in every discipline from eventing to show jumping, dressage to showing, polo and hunting. It is also the must read for anyone wanting to buy or sell a horse.

Spotting brilliance

New whip and spur rules are making a difference • Rules across disciplines on how whips and spurs may be used have had positive feedback

Bitless and no nosebands now allowed in new Danish rules • The welfare-led rule changes apply at all levels of national competition, after significant controversy in Denmark

HORSES IN THE NEWS

Softer ground could mean fewer fatalities in racing • Researchers have been analysing race data to improve safety by understanding risk factors for falls and injuries

IN BRIEF

Money-saving measures to help owners in tough times • Schemes have been launched to help riders and horses as the cost of living continues to cause issues

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Five-star rider suspended over abuse allegations • The FEI is investigating allegations against US rider Andrew McConnon

GOOD WEEK BAD WEEK

The essential oral first aid that could save riders' teeth • If a tooth falls out, every minute counts – and a mouthguard might prevent the loss in the first place

And finally… secret of youth

LETTERS

H&H FROM THE ARCHIVES

Horse & Hound

'Keeping tradition alive while looking ahead' • Carl Hester on exploring dressage abroad and home internationals

'Patience is important in our sport' • Davy Russell salutes Nicky Henderson for letting his horses do the talking

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier • Belgium's first CCI5* winner – and one of the busiest event riders on the circuit – tells Martha Terry about the mindset shift that boosted her results, and her season of tragedy mingled with success

The horse finder • More than 700 horses have passed through the hands of Northern Ireland-based equestrian agent Reid Finlay – and his “finds” have graced five front covers of H&H

'We'd hack home in the dark – no one drove too fast' • Terri Webb remembers an unconventional way of learning how to canter, early days as a tiny test jockey and what provoked her to become a saddle fitter

Keeping score • Body condition scoring is an invaluable tool to help monitor a horse's wellbeing and check his care is appropriate throughout the year. Liz Richardson MRCVS explains what you need to do

WHAT'S NEW in the veterinary world? • Peter Green MRCVS reports on research assessing viral risks from those that cause bird flu and sarcoids

How to body condition score

Be safe, be seen • Enhance your visibility to other road users when out and about with this selection of products – designed to keep both you and your horse safe

Patience and punch • Here is Alex Bragg's ultimate exercise to help your horse learn to combine power, precision and aplomb over fences, writes Bethany Stone

The exercise: power and wait • Working on: rider's lower leg and balance, the horse's ability to hold rhythm and smoothness

“Back pain caused me to ride differently”

Back on track • Back pain is a perennial problem for many horse owners and riders, but there are ways to mitigate the discomfort. Stephanie Bateman seeks expert advice

Top tips for a healthy back

“I LIVE ON PAINKILLERS”

One of hunting's little secrets • Small fields of passionate...