Shark-infested waters? 8 classic water jump fails
A proper dunking is every rider’s worst nightmare — even if for showjumpers it’s in little more than a few inches of (bright blue) water
‘I never wanted it to end’: Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum on her legendary partnership with Shutterfly *H&H Plus*
This sensitive soul may have relaxed to classical music in his stable, but in the arena he was a powerhouse, says Jennifer Donald, winning a hat-trick of World Cup Finals
“Everyone dreams of having a wonderful partnership in their lives, whether it’s with a husband or a child — in my case, it was with a horse,” says Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, talking of course about Shutterfly. The exquisitely beautiful bay gelding was a powerhouse in the ring, helping his petite rider secure victory in three World […]
Irish riders triumph as five-star showjumping makes long-awaited return
It’s been a long wait, but five-star showjumping made a welcome return at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida last week (10-14 February). Fans were treated to a storming finish to the feature $401,000 Douglas Ellman Real Estate grand prix on Saturday night, won by Shane Sweetnam with Alejandro. “I have a very quick horse, […]
William Funnell and John Whitaker hero-to-hero interview: on confidence, patience, falling off and more *H&H Plus*
John Whitaker has inspired generations of riders, not least William Funnell. The pair sit down to discuss horsemanship, riding Milton, keeping motivated and years of friendship…
William: I have admired your quiet consistency with horses since I was a kid, so it made a big impact years later when you sent your horse Barry Bug for me to ride. To go on to win the leading showjumper at Horse of the Year Show on a horse owned by you was a […]
From toilet roll to Power Rangers: WEF’s Charity Challenge takes fancy dress to the next level
Riders taking part in the Great Charity Challenge at the Winter Equestrian Festival took fancy dress to the next level in Florida last week (6 February), celebrating the heroes of the pandemic
‘A very dear friend has left us’: farewell to Butterfly Flip
“RIP dear Flippan, you are for ever in my heart”
Junior equitation championship offers a new car to the winner
Talented young riders could be in with a chance of winning some incredible prizes on offer in the Premier Cup Equitation Championship hosted by the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, this month. Entries are now open for this special event, which will take place on Saturday, February 13 during week six of the Ocala […]
You better believe your eyes: throwback to Luciana Diniz jumping 1.60m without a bridle
There are many essentials to check off your list before you jump a 1.60m grand prix track and we’d say a bridle is right up there — not for Olympic showjumper Luciana Diniz, however. The Portuguese rider campaigned her chestnut gelding As-Taro 2 for many years, clearing some of the biggest tracks on the international […]
All in a day’s work: supergroom Mark Beever, who looked after Big Star *H&H Plus*
Nick Skelton’s long-term groom Mark Beever on unruly manes, swearing in front of Princess Anne and having a demi-perm to look like John Francome, as told to Jennifer Donald
None of my family was horsey but I’ve always loved racing and I learned to ride aged 10 at Dulwich Riding School alongside Dane Rawlins. We used to have competitions for condition and turnout in Hyde Park with all the other riding schools from the area. Riding in the ring has never interested me, I’ve […]
Riding tips from Billy Ray Cyrus paid off for showjumping daughter Brandi
The 33-year-old sister of Miley Cyrus is enjoying success in the showjumping ring