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

Costs survey reveals 'worrying picture'

GAZA CHARITY APPEALS FOR FUNDS TO ASSIST HARDWORKING WAR ZONE EQUIDS

(UN) Bridled JOY • In the first of a two-part series looking at tack for hacking, Mel Beale finds out about the bridle preferences of those who spend most of their time outside an arena, plus tips on going bitless

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BITLESS BRIDLES

Our #Hack1000Miles challengers have been busy this month…

Mari Durward-Akhurst • The para rider tells Julie Harding about living with cerebral palsy, her latest sensational competitive partnership and how her dreams of riding at a Paralympic Games that were sparked in 2012 may soon be turning into a reality

WIN • A family season pass and a course-walk at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials

Mihaela Bodlovic • How I make it work: Thanks to the supportive people and the rota at the livery yard, plus long-suffering partner, Lewis

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WIN • First aid courses and kits from NKG Equestrian Training

AND we're off! • Take control of a strong horse and channel all that energy into going clear. In the first of a new series on cross-country technique, top eventer Alex Postolowsky tells Helen Milbank how to keep a lid on all that whizz

Fix it… Let's ride the PERFECT CIRCLE • Struggling with circles in the arena at home or even in front of a judge? Grand prix dressage rider Becky Moody has some tips to make them eye-catching and sensational

LET'S PRACTISE BEING precise • Accuracy is vital across all equestrian disciplines, not just dressage, and in the final installment of a three-part polework series, dressage rider and coach Sara Malpass demonstrates two simple patterns that can allow a partnership to become more on point

Troubleshooting common issues

PINPOINTING THE ROOT CAUSE OF A confidence crisis • Could riders be missing the root cause of their lack of confidence because they are just focusing on the symptoms? Mel Beale uncovers the difference between the two and finds out why nervous equestrians can't solve one without the other

MYTH-BUSTING: FEAR OR EXCITEMENT

In hot water? • A hosepipe and a bottle of shampoo can literally get some horses in a lather. However, a stressful situation can be transformed into one with positive associations with a few simple moves, finds Mel Beale

COMMON MISTAKES THAT OWNERS CAN MAKE

LET'S NOT LOSE ANY sleep • Sleep is a powerful tool that can assist equestrians going through the menopause. Frankie Clutterbuck lifts the lid on its benefits, and explains why HRT and supplements may help some women, too

KEEPING THE SHOW on the road • The competition season will only be a success if your horse stays fit and well. Vet Lucinda Ticehurst has some top tips to ensure that he will remain in the pink and ready to line up for every contest

Crowning GLORY • Did you know that a 500kg Thoroughbred-type horse has around 125 million hairs covering his body? Dr DavidMarlin takes an in-depth look at horse hair, exploring its function and purpose, and how it can provide telltale...