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.

Simply the best

Enough • Owners are urged to act to help bring an end to fireworks’ devastation

NEWS EDITOR ELEANOR JONES’S COMMENT

Pace picked up on Tokyo plans and preparations • Funding and places have been announced for horse sport at the 2024 Games in Paris as the 2021 Games approach

HORSES IN THE NEWS

Rehoming is up – but ‘perfect storm’ to come • Welfare charities say there have been positives this year, although they are concerned about the effects of Covid

Equality mark for member bodies

IN BRIEF

Crucial to report all incidents to improve riders’ road safety • Much has changed since major campaigns were launched, but there is still much to be done

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

OBITUARIES

Your breed needs you: push to save our rarest horses • Owners of endangered equids are urged to consider breeding from them next year to boost dwindling numbers

And finally... a good rub down

GOOD WEEK BAD WEEK

LETTER OF THE WEEK

LETTERS

QUIZ ANSWERS FROM 24 DECEMBER

HORSE & HOUND • Established 1884

‘This was a Christmas miracle’ • Carl Hester reflects on a very special national championships in tough times

‘The first few months are going to be a pain’ • Graham Fletcher questions inconsistencies in Covid rules, and looks to Brexit

Scott Brash • The ice-cool showjumper talks to Martha Terry about staying positive through lockdown, his Olympic hopes and what drives him to success

Vittoria Panizzon • The Olympic rider on croissants, running late and a wardrobe malfunction

Give us the lowdown on a horse you’re excited about…

What do you eat for breakfast?

Racing commentator • ITV Racing’s Richard Hoiles on speed-learning racing colours, Denman vs Kauto and why he’s not “a yeller”

Trevor Breen • The Hickstead Derby-winning Irish showjumper on shaking off superstitions, his rules for walking the course and pinch-me moments with his heroes

Imperial Aura • The Cheltenham Festival winner is an “absolute gentleman” and a careful jumper who loves to show off, as his connections tell Hannah Lemieux

Ian Robinson, manager of Imperial Racing Partnership 2016

A fair deal • How can we ensure competition horses enjoy their side of the partnership, asks Professor Madeleine Campbell MRCVS

Facing facts

Good times • The pandemic has sent many of us up to our lofts and old albums in search of happy memories. Here are some of your golden moments remembered

Fond memories • Staff at Sherwood Grange care home in Kingston upon Thames have shared some of their residents’ reminiscences of their horsey days

Beating the odds • Your tales of overcoming adversity or achieving lifetime goals in tricky situations shine brightly in a dark year

Raising a smile • Even in a grisly year, horses remind us to be grateful, they make us laugh – and cry. Here are some of your most heartwarming moments

Locked down but not out • Lockdown has dominated this year, and for many of you, it’s the horses that have kept you sane. Here are your highlights

‘A blur of galloping and jumping’ • These characterful bloodhounds put on a fast-paced day for the enthusiastic...