Horse & Hound

Published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd 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.

Kentucky bound

Eventing comes together to discuss the sport's future • After the wet spring wreaked havoc, a meeting was called at Thoresby on the way forward

New dressage rule means fewer riders in top classes • The FEI has increased the qualifying score for progression in four- and five-star international dressage competitions

HORSES

Gene-editing law paves way for tech to be used in animals • The legislation only applies to plants at present, but there is provision to explore how it could apply to animals

IN BRIEF

Officials raise major concerns about the way they are treated • Calls have been made for the FEI to put in place clear sanctions and rules to protect officials

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Research looks at horses' genes and stress response • The study may help to identify horses who need a different training style

Joined-up approach needed to improve animal welfare • MPs and animal charities are looking at how better to enforce welfare law

GOOD WEEK BAD WEEK

And finally… Nana and baby

LETTERS

The H&H Quiz

Horse & Hound

‘Para classification is unfair' • Natasha Baker discusses the need to level up classifications in para dressage

‘Why I'm giving barefoot a go' • John Whitaker “experiments” with taking the shoes off some of his horses

Sharon and Sarah Harrison • The STARS Championships are fast becoming a pinnacle of the grassroots showing calendar. Tricia Johnson speaks to the women at the show's helm

ITV Racing presenter • This week, Alice Plunkett is part of the BAFTA-winning ITV Racing team showcasing the Grand National to nearly 10 million viewers. She reveals a chaotic moment off air, juggling domesticity and the time she was lost for words

Galileo Nieuwmoed • After two top-six placings at five-star last year, this “pretty cool” horse is heading to Kentucky with his young British pilot. Pippa Roome meets him

Travelling groom Kirsten Poulsom

Peak performance • Vets provide a vital service at equine events, but it's always possible to fine-tune emergency response. Professor Patrick Pollock FRCVS explains the benefit of tailored incident management training

No-fill protection • Add a quality, functional rain sheet to your horse's wardrobe to keep them dry in any unpredictable weather that comes your way this season

Mind the gap • The equestrian gender gap maybe closing, but it still prevails in certain disciplines. Luz Wollocombe analyses the shifts, and where the sport gains and loses representation for both male and female riders

‘I said il won't be life changing, but it was' • Ahead of Saturday's Randox Grand National at Aintree, Jennifer Donald finds out what it means to win the world's greatest steeplechase

King Edward grows his greatness • Henrik von Eckermann continued world domination, while British riders put up a strong fight

“WE HAVE A NICE WAY OUT FOR THE HORSE”

Dalera delights • Germany's outstanding duo retain their title, while a new combination finish second

DEPLETED NUMBERS

Spitfire soars to the double • Riders get prepped ahead of the Winter Dressage Championships, and a rising star enjoys success on...