January 2022 Issue

We’ve got a fantastic line-up of fabulous trainers keen to boost your riding to its best. Headlining our roster is international eventer Alex Hua Tian, who’s sharing his straightforward two-jump exercise for improving your horse’s form over fences. Dressage rider Shaun Mandy helps debunk the ridden aid that, when polled, approximately 99% of riding instructors wished their pupils knew more about – of course, it’s the all-important but often misunderstood outside rein. Plus, dressage rider Anna Miller shares her advice for a more relaxed ride and eventer Lydia Hannon’s on hand with techniques to create a more athletic horse while you’re hacking.

Looking ahead to the new year? We’ve put together some great riding resolutions for your best year yet – and the all-important goal-setting framework that’ll help you stay on track reach them. And, ready to inspire you, Horse&Rider sat down with dressage star Alice Oppenheimer fresh from her London Marathon success – completed between competing at the BD National Championships and Horse of the Year Show – and shared the behind-the-scenes details on one of her toughest challenges to date.

Turn to our vet and horse care sections for Heath Equine Veterinary Practice’s Kathy Duncan’s verdict on the rumours surrounding the long-term health prospects of ex-racehorses – spoiler alert: they’re not as fragile as some people think! Plus, Hook Norton Veterinary Group’s Sally Hodgson sheds light on the pre-purchase exam. Better yet, management expert Fizz Marshall’s on hand to make box rest a less stressful operation should your horse be prescribed it – although her tips are just as applicable for those wanting to enhance their horse’s stable environment, too.

With the low light conditions and poor visibility set to stick around for a while longer, we’ve put together a high-vis refresher packed with some shopping list inspiration to get you and your horse kitted out for safer winter hacking – and, if you fancy trying your luck on this month’s competition, four lucky readers are in with the chance to win a complete high-vis prize bundle from the reflective-wear specialists, Equisafety!

All this and more in the January issue of Horse&Rider – out now!