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 • Tiny lifelong friends Pepper and Worcester had spent almost two decades together when their lives were turned upside down
A global crisis hiding in plain sight • Six million donkeys slaughtered. A continent grieving. A species at risk. Following a recent trip to Africa, Dr Scott Miller, resident vet on ITV's This Morning, exposes the brutal, illegal but prevalent trade in donkey skins — and the devastating animal cruelty and human cost behind it
HOW YOU CAN HELP STOP THIS CRUELTY
THE HORSES WHO changed my life • Few people knew Valegro and Uthopia as intimately as their groom Alan Davies. Here he recalls the joy, trust and extraordinary character of the two horses who became global icons — and lifelong friends
BLUEBERRY LOVED HIS FOOD
Show memories to treasure
A golden legacy • They were masters of the arena who transformed the sport of dressage and forged a golden era for Britain. Aimi Clark celebrates Valegro and Uthopia, the champions who captured hearts and medals alike
REMEMBERING THE MEDALS
HEAD FOR THE HILLS • A plan to attract more hackers to the Shropshire Hills leads a local endurance rider to complete more than 600 miles in the saddle as part of the Pathfinder Project. Charlotte Cooper finds out what it's all about
HOW TO FIND A ROUTE
ROUTES FOR ALL
Our #Hack1000Miles challengers have been busy this month…
SEND a selfie
Reflect with purpose
MAKE 2026 YOUR YEAR • The new year offers a fresh start, but instead of restrictions, embrace goals that inspire you. Mindset coach Tijen Sheircliff explains how reflection, visualisation and values-based planning can transform your riding journey for an exciting season ahead
Values and motivations
Visualisation
SCHEDULE REGULAR CHECK-INS
CALMING THE chimp within • Could mindset coaching be the key to getting your mojo back? Mindset coach Evie Llewellyn-Smith tells Bethany Stone about the transformative qualities of her practice — and how she helped five-star event rider Simon Grieve enter the Burghley start box without his ‘chimp’ hijacking his ride
THE CHIMP PARADOX
ADVICE FOR AMATEURS
TRY IT: VISUALISATION
Fix it… Smart SCHOOLING PLANS • Ride smarter, not harder, this winter with Louise Harwood's quick and effective schooling plans
MAKE A noise • Two poles are all you need to nail your collected and extended paces, says dressage trainer and judge Jess Carr. That and a loud voice! Helen Milbank watches four exercises have a powerful effect on stride length, adjustability, and a horse's rideability
Lessons learned
READING BETWEEN THE EARS • All behaviour has meaning — always. Emily Bevan finds out how understanding a horse's body language and facial expressions can keep you safe, improve communication and ultimately strengthen the bond you have with your horse
THEIR FACE SAYS IT ALL
IN THE ABSENCE OF HANDS
A PLAYFUL KICK OR SOMETHING MORE?
Retired, BUT NOT REDUNDANT • Not all retired horses fade away. Many blossom into reliable, steady...