Horsey Interviews 2015
Jo Bates
The rider and producer of Elusive the 2016 Hack of the Year at HOYS, Jo Bates has a wealth of experience in the world of showing. Here we talk to the Black Country Saddles rider about ringcraft and what the judge is looking for. …..
Miles Cooper
Striding through the kennels of the Highmoor Hunt, Miles Cooper looks like he was born to be a country gent. There’s the outfit for a start – the brown kennel coat, the flat cap and the hunting whip draped around his shoulders …..
Frank Grunnill
He is one of the most recognisable sights on showjumping’s British and European circuits with his trademark bowler hat, bow-tie and three-piece suit – and visitors to the inaugural Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show can expect to see him dressed for the occasion…..
Andreas Liefooghe
On a raw November morning in London’s Hyde Park, seven children and three of their teachers from a nearby comprehensive school have been set the daunting task of befriending two grey horses trotting smartly around the edge of an exercise ring…..
Grant Nicolle
After eight years, I have just completed a book on my 2007 trip from John O’Groats to Lands’s End with horse Marv. This is the story, told in mostly diary format, of that adventure, in the hope that others may undertake similar travels ……..
Hannah Bailey
For head girl and dressage competition rider Hannah Bailey, knowing her horses are getting the very best forage provides peace of mind that they can compete to their maximum ……..
Charlotte Agnew
Charlotte Agnew’s eventing career is continuing to blossom and it has been helped significantly by one very special homebred horse, Out of Africa. By Welton Apollo and out of her father’s hunter, Africa. Charlotte recalls “he was an absolute saint even as a four-year-old.” ……..
Lissa Green
Sometimes it would be nice to say one day is very much like the next, but that rarely happens. Running a busy yard means there are always people as well as horses coming and going. At the moment we have around seven horses in work, so there is always a lot to do ……..
Mandy Davidson
When equine charities such as World Horse Welfare take in abandoned and neglected horses and ponies the ultimate goal is to find them loving new homes after they have gone through an extensive programme of veterinary checks and rehabilitation ……….
Lissa Green
Based in Wiltshire, the 26-year-old is full of ambition and drive to succeed in the world of Eventing. From a young age Lissa was always told if she wanted to have the ponies she would have to work hard and prove it. And that is exactly what she did ……….
Katy Carter
Across all equestrian disciplines every once in a while a partnership between horse and rider develops that is nothing short of legendary. In the world of pony showing few would doubt that this is the case for Poppy Carter and her pony of a lifetime Rotherwood Rainmaker ……….
Katherine Starkie
When they arrive, our horses and ponies have often had very little contact with humans and, sadly, some have had very negative experiences of people. In order to build their confidence and provide a solid foundation for their future, our dedicated staff begin their work from the ground up ……….
Laura Marsh
Hard work and determination has really paid off for 22-year-old Laura Marsh –helping her to secure her dream job with HAYGAIN hay steamers. After three years, Laura has graduated with a first class honours degree in Equine Management ……….
Sarah Moorhouse
Based near Clitheroe, Lancashire, the 27-year-old has ridden all her life with the help of her mum Carol and the team work hard at home with the aim of success on the eventing circuit ……….
Wendy Taylor
After an accident in the field Wendy Taylor’s horse Bea, took to rearing when she felt anxious. With the help of Guy Robertson, Bea is now on her way to being the contented dressage horse Wendy dreamed of ……….
Lorraine Meadowcroft
Owner of the award-winning company Equestrian.com, Lorraine has seen her pioneering firm escalate into an online phenomenon, which has changed the face of equestrian internet retailing as we know it ……….
Lilly Ahern-Lee
At just three-years-old Lilly Ahern-Lee already has a fan base! With her Lead Rein Show Hunter Pony – Caridines Little Lord – she has taken the show season by storm and captured the hearts of many spectators around the ringside ……….
Tucha
Like many people in their village, life was once a daily struggle for 42-year-old Tucha and his wife 37-year-old Yeshi Keskas as they battled to raise nine children in the remote village of Bekejo in Ada district, tucked away in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley ……….
Stephanie Revennaugh
InJune, Montana-based sculptor STEPHANIE REVENNAUGH traveled to England to participate in the Horse exhibitition at SCULPTURE BY THE LAKES, a 26 acre gallery and park established by renowned sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his wife Monique ……….
Charlie and Aaron
There are divided opinions on whether donkeys should be working in any capacity in this country and certainly working donkeys overseas often do not enjoy the best of lives. The Donkey Sanctuary works very hard to educate owners on good donkey husbandry ……….
Sue Anderson
In a large, grassy field tucked inside a residential area in Karen, Kenya children are enjoying a session of horse riding. But this is no ordinary riding class, and these are no ordinary children, because every one of them has a physical, mental or learning disability.
Uttam Kafle
The Donkey Sanctuary has been working with their partner Animal Nepal since 2009, helping the donkeys and mules working in brick kilns in the Kathmandu valley by training owners in handling and care and conducting mobile clinics …………..
Martin Black
With a wealth of experience and knowledge and said by many to be the best natural horseman in America, Martin Black travelled to the National Racing College, Yorkshire to share his extraordinary skills. …………..
Dr Meriel Moore-Colyer
Although competition horses are rarely fat, they can succumb to laminitis if the microbiome is disturbed by dumping rapidly degradable carbohydrates into the hindgut. Microbiome disturbances are the main cause of acidosis and laminitis in horses …………..
Nina Barbour
A son of Argentinus – also the sire of Nick Skelton’s former top ride, Arko lll – Arkol is known for his trainable attitude and athletic ability, already making a name for himself on the showjumping circuit with William Whitaker. ………………
Lucy Chester
I’m 26 and caught the horse bug, aged 2. Despite hopeful predictions from my parents that I would grow out of the ‘horse phase’, I never did and my fascination with them only seems to get stronger ………………
Jo Bates
That she also tries her heart out to understand a horse and get to the bottom of any problems they have also makes her stand out as a superb horsewoman who remains passionate about her chosen craft ………………
Kay Hastilow
There are two main issues with fitting saddles to ponies. The first is preventing the saddle sliding up the pony’s neck which will lead to the back of the saddle bouncing and the pony being unhappy ………………
Bonnie Fishburn
Event rider and social media fan, Bonnie Fishburn forms part of the new age of rider, busy tweeting and facebooking probably while riding her horse at the same time ………………
Vicky Smith
Amateur event rider, Vicky Smith talks about her summer horse care routine for her wonderful coloured gelding, Indian King II also known as Bugsy! ………………
Adventure De Kannan
“Winning the Hickstead Derby is a phenomenal achievement for any horse and especially so for ‘Addy’, considering he only has one eye,” said Cheshire-based photographer Matthew Seed. ………………
Geoffrey Riddle
Talking to former Royal Marines officer Jock Hutchison, you would never know he is currently nursing nine broken ribs and a patched-up punctured lung.
Until he tells you………………
Hayley Watson-Greaves
Having been selected for the BEF World Class Development Squad for the 2015 season, dressage rider Hayley Watson-Greaves is set to have a busy year ……………..
Supreme Products
Hot clothing works by removing residue in the coat while adding condition at the same time in preparation for competing. Hot clothing is also extremely useful after clipping to break down dirt and oil in the coat and to remove and rinse away clipper oil…………….
Robert Walker
Leading showman Robert Walker has amassed a host of major championships over the years whether riding Show Hunters, Riding Horses, Hacks or Cobs. Well known for his attention to detail and making sure his horses look in fantastic condition, Robert’s horses are always a picture of health ……………
Lara Dyson
Nerves and confidence issues can affect riders of all levels, whether you are too nervous to enjoy a canter out on a hack or are being held back from reaching your potential in the competition arena ……
The Dwyers
Philippa Johnson-Dwyer and James Dwyer finally got married this year, 12 years after first bumping into each other on horseback ……….
Tim Smith
Tim Smith goes behind the scenes on a photo-shoot with renowned photographer Matthew Seed as he captures Trevor Breen and Adventure de Kanaan in preparation for the launch of the 2015 Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting ……….
Melanie Cooper
Melanie Cooper from East Yorkshire has ridden since she was seven-years-old, so when she acquired a lovely 18hh (plus!) Pure Irish Draught gelding she honestly thought she would have no problems ……….
The Bolesworth International Team
Meet the Team Behind Bolesworth International. 2015 is set to be the biggest and best yet. Held at Bolesworth Castle, Chester, June 18 to 21, the event is not to be missed and promises to provide an action packed four days ……….
Glen Cousquer
The traditional bit is a medieval instrument that has, for far too long, allowed man to control and dominate the mule. It is widely used across Morocco, causing pain, suffering and great discomfort to the country’s mules.. ……….
Equifest – The Art of Ringcraft
As Equifest approaches we ask the team for some advice on the importance of presenting your horse well to the judge and how to play to your strengths in order to impress the judges and be pulled in at the top of the line . ……….
Lara Dyson
Transporting horses can be a stressful business for both horse and owner, this stress can be multiplied when a stallion is on board. Lara offers advice……
The Equifest Team
Meet the team behind the largest equestrian show in the UK, Equifest, as we take a sneak peek into their hectic schedules, to find out what it takes to make the August event a success. ……….
Sara Longworth
The birth of your first foal is undoubtedly one of the most exiting experiences for any horse owner, but this excitement can also be mixed with anxiety about what to expect and the outside chance that something could go wrong. ……….
Betsy Branyan
With classes for all abilities, young and old, in-hand and ridden, over jumps or on the flat – Equifest provides an opportunity to enjoy a large championship atmosphere and is a firm favourite with both competitors and visitors alike ……….
Reto Gaudenzi
Winter in the Swiss resort sees a group of dedicated players transform a frozen lake into a battlefield of hooves and mallets. “We couldn’t wait until summer came again, so we had to be creative,” explains Reto Gaudenzi, who organizes the tournament ……….
Sara Longworth
Watching a foal mature from a playful baby into a strong, healthy four-year-old, ready for young horse classes, remains one of the most rewarding experiences for any rider or owner, to be enjoyed with the highs and lows along the way ……….
Louise Osmond
A racing thoroughbred brought up on a south Wales allotment and described as the British answer to Seabiscuit has become the star of a docudrama entitled Dark Horse: The Incredible True Story of Dream Alliance. ……….
SMS – Safety in the Saddle
This season I intend to start affiliated eventing with my horse, my tack is second-hand and I have had it a few years now. Are there any saddle safety checks I should make to ensure that I am safe ……….
Amy Badge
Horse is winched UPSIDE DOWN out of well after hours submerged in water. A police marksman was called in case, Foxy, a 12-year-old former showjumping horse, had been too badly injured to save ……….
Sarah Ettridge
Event rider, Sarah Ettridge, was distraught when she found her 11-year-old ISH gelding, Henry, had struck into himself whilst in the field back in November and found him with blood pumping out of his fetlock ……….
Harry Nunn
Fifty years on from Sir Winston Churchill’s state funeral, one Dundee man looks back on the important role he played in the proceedings as Britain laid its wartime leader to rest. A few days shy of his 93rd birthday, Harry Nunn is still hard at work with horses………..
SMS – Driving to Success
To the untrained eye the driving harness can look like a jigsaw of different straps of leather but once you become familiar with the different pieces it becomes a simple but effective piece of tack, allowing a horse or pony to pull various types of horse drawn vehicles ……….
Parelli Uk Team
Horses are innately claustrophobic. Because they are prey animals, their survival is based on escape so anything that holds them back is cause for panic. They are literally programmed to push against pressure ……………