October 2023 Issue

Whether you’re mourning the passing of summer (despite its mostly terrible weather) or excited in anticipation of the change of season, autumn is definitely around the corner. We always think there’s something magical about September – cool, crisp mornings followed by (if you’re lucky) sunny days. Good ground to blow away the cobwebs and still enough light to ride after work.

It pays to be prepared for what’s coming, and we have you covered with everything from clipping essentials to the best bedding options on the market, via coat care and how to avoid autumn laminitis. If you’re planning an autumn competition campaign, Alison Buttery’s advice for managing show-day nerves will be invaluable. And if it’s your horse’s nerves you’re most concerned about, we explore how to make travelling a more relaxing experience for him.

An essential part of every training session, the first and last 10–15 minutes of your riding time are probably the most important of all. Find out why and how to warm up and cool down properly to protect your horse’s wellbeing, with vet and eventer Jess Campbell’s expert advice.

When Steph Quintrell got in touch with Horse&Rider to tell us about her plans to embark on a horseback challenge in the Pyrenees, Staff Writer Nicky was keen to find out more. It turned out that a team of eight Forces wives were about to embark on this incredible journey to demonstrate how powerful adventure and challenge can be for those with disabilities, mental health conditions and chronic illness. What makes this challenge even more remarkable is that Steph is permanently dependent on a wheelchair, having suddenly become disabled three years ago. We’ve been following the women’s progress through their preparation and now they’re home from their trip, you can find out more about their experiences in this issue.