EDITOR’S LETTER
IT IS ALL too easy to bury heads in the sand when the subject of social licensing rears its head.
We make no apology for revisiting this subject frequently in Your Horse because the very future of riding, horse sports and lives and careers spent in equestrianism really could be under threat. Imagine a world without hacking, competitions, clinics, fun rides, the Grand National, Badminton and Hickstead. It sounds far-fetched, but should public opinion turn en masse against the people who ride horses then this is what will happen, and there will be no way back.
Social media expert Rhea Freeman argues that now is the time for every equestrian to act, specifically thinking carefully about what they post on social channels, those windows to the rest of the world. Turn to page 24, as well as to page 6, to find out more.
Another subject that we return to regularly is hacking confidence, because it affects so many of us. This month we bring you a clinic hosted by Centre10 Advanced Coach Stephanie Brooks, which kick starts a new training series that aims to ditch the fears of those who love to head beyond the confines of the yard. Find out what happened during the clinic, and discover exercises that are relevant to all equestrians who struggle with nerves, by turning to page 28.
Numerous horse owners have, at one time or another, fallen victim to their horse’s escapology skillsets. It is frustrating to discover during daily checks that a horse isn’t where he should be, not to mention potentially dangerous for anyone who has to keep their charges next to a road. In our feature on equine Houdinis (page 60) we reveal what might help to keep him on the right side of the fence. We also hear owners’ hilarious tales of great escapes. Having spent much of my life as a horse owner, I too have stories too numerous to relate here. Most involve a sane and safe Thoroughbred called Tom who I had on loan for an entire decade. Tom could undo stable doors and gates and even ropes when he was tied up. One day, he opened his (securely fastened) field gate and led his friend Apollo (above) out onto a grass verge for some lush grazing. Fortunately, they were discovered and returned swiftly to their paddock with no harm done. Since that day, though, I have always tied my field gates.
You don’t get much for nothing these days, but you do if you buy Your Horse. This month we have a bumper 40-page Spring Essentials Guide FREE for every reader. Enjoy!
Editor, Julie Harding yh.ed@kelsey.co.uk
