Research has found that nosebands are not too tight but that horses’ signs of stress increase with competition level

Professor Moira Lafferty on helping riders be their best, holding up a flight at Heathrow and travelling the world

While horses of all shapes, sizes and styles can reach the top, good technique is a major advantage. Ellie Hughes asks top showjumpers for their go-to exercises to sharpen reflexes

Dog trainer and behaviourist Ben Randall on training the yard dog and finding parallels with chestnut mares

Harnessing the power of the mind can dramatically improve performance, hence the take-up of sports psychology among elite riders. Catherine Waterfall finds out how it can benefit grassroots competitors

The ideal warm-up will be perfectly executed to produce success in the ring – but horses aren’t machines. Ellie Hughes finds out how to cope when the warm-up throws you a curveball