Your Horse

Your Horse inspires its readers to enjoy every second in the saddle. Written by a team of passionate equestrian experts, Your Horse magazine helps you improve your riding, care for your horses and stay up to date on the latest gear. We also encourage you to try new and exciting adventures! Our three main areas of content are: Riding advice: From the best riders and trainers in the world Horse care advice: Expert tips and advice on all aspects of horse care Buying Advice: Helping you spend your money with confidence Your Horse magazine: share our passion for horses.

Welcome

This month’s highlights…

HORSE talk • Here’s what you need to know about this month

RESCUE UPDATE • A call to Bristol-based charity HorseWorld from the RSPCA, asking for help catching three neglected ponies, revealed three cob mares in extremely emaciated condition — two of whom were in foal.

LESSONS learned • Hacking is a wonderful way to get out and about with your horse and enjoy their company, but it’s also an important learning experience for both of you. Charlotte Cooper finds out what’s going on in your horse’s head when you’re out and about

Follow my leader — why it works

THE ‘TRUST BUCKET’

Challenger check-in • Our #Hack1000Miles riders have been busy this month…

SEND a selfie • Send in your pics!

A symphony IN MOTION • Crafting a winning dressage test to music is about far more than picking a soundtrack — it’s the art of blending training, timing and musicality into a seamless performance in the arena. Lauren Williamson asks the experts how to put together a freestyle you’ll love to ride

DESIGNING A FLOORPLAN

Becky Moody: ‘The music should tell a story’

What is a freestyle judge looking for?

MORE FREEDOM FOR RIDERS

Fix it… BEFORE the bell • A calm, confident showjumping round starts long before you enter the ring. Grand prix rider Anna Power shares her tips for warming up effectively, without overthinking it

SHOULDERS first • Shoulders may seem secondary, but they’re central to a rider’s balance, alignment and effectiveness in the saddle. Julie Driver explains why this part of your body is key to improving connection through posture, plus seven exercises to unlock comfort, stability and control

Anatomy of the shoulder

KEEP ON moving! • Movement is medicine. Like a rusty hinge, stiff joints need exercise to stay lubricated. Equine vet Lucinda Ticehurst explains how gentle daily activity helps senior horses stay strong, comfortable and engaged as they age

BIGGER HEALTH BENEFITS

8 WAYS TO HELP A SENIOR HORSE MOVE MORE

EXERCISE TO AVOID:

Why not join Spillers’ Super Seniors’ Club

PERFECT CIRCUITS for cobs • Boost a cob's strength, balance and focus with fun arena circuits that will help to reinvigorate their training regime for a happier, fitter and more responsive horse, says HARF system creator Niki Otterburn

BUILD STRENGTH, BOOST STAMINA Exercise options outside of the arena • From hacking over varied terrain to creative fitness work, the following types of exercise offer practical, effective ways to build a horse's strength, balance and stamina while keeping training varied, engaging and safe for both of you

5 THINGS your horse wishes you knew • If your horse could talk — what would they say? At World Horse Welfare’s annual conference, associate professor Janne Winther Christensen revealed five facts your horse would like you to know about them. Emily Bevan finds out what they are

VARIABLE FORAGING

Sound THINKING • Ex-racehorses have a reputation for fragility — but is it deserved? Catherine Welton separates fact from fiction and shares expert advice on keeping a former racehorse happy, healthy and sound

FOCUS ON...