Author: Abby Dickinson

Journalist and News Reporter, Everything Horse Reporting on equestrian news stories, Abby also produces a variety of engaging content for the magazine. Email: abby@everythinghorseuk.co.uk LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-dickinson-391601172/

Stephen Fry Voices Redwings Christmas Animation

Abby Dickinson
Stephen Fry Voices Redwings Christmas Animation

Stephen Fry Voices Redwings Christmas Animation Stephen Fry voices Redwings Christmas animation, as the charity launch it’s latest festive tale. Last year, Redwings released a short animation narrated by Stephen Fry, the popular broadcaster. Telling the story of the blind Clydesdale Boo, a long-term Sanctuary resident, the video went on to be viewed by over 225,000 people online. This year’s animation takes supporters back to the beginning of Redwings. Looking back to 1984, where it all began, and taking viewers on a journey of transformation into a national charity, the animation shows…

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Highway Code Changes Secure Safer Horse Riding on Roads

Abby Dickinson
App Allows Riders To Instantly Report Road Incidents

Highway Code Changes Secure Safer Horse Riding on Roads New Highway Code changes secure safer horse riding on roads, with amendment set to be enforced in January 2022. In the new version of the Highway Code there will be a “hierarchy of road users”. The hierarchy will be based on the principle that those who have the ability to cause the greatest harm, have the greatest responsibility. Pedestrians, highlighting children and the elderly, will be at the top of the hierarchy. This will be followed by cyclist and horse rider,…

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Writtle University College Award Honorary Degrees to Equestrian Stars

Abby Dickinson
Khadijah Mellah, Justine Harrison, and Ros Canter - WUC Honorary graduates

Writtle University College Award Honorary Degrees to Equestrian Stars Writtle University College award honorary degrees to three outstanding members of the equestrian sector, as their 2021 graduation ceremony got underway. On October 29th, Ros Canter, Justine Harrison and Khadijah Mellah attended Writtle’s first in-person graduation ceremony since 2019. The event, held at Chelmsford’s historic Cathedral, celebrated both the success of the classes of 2020 and 2021 and highlighted Ros, Justine and Khadijah’s impressive achievements. WUC’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Middleton, explained: We were delighted to confer honorary awards as part of…

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INTERVIEW Emily King on Bouncing Back

Abby Dickinson
Emily King Interview

INTERVIEW Emily King on Bouncing Back We were thrilled to interview Emily King who kindly found time in her very busy schedule to speak to us at Everything Horse. We chatted about big changes to her life and career and how she has coped through them. Talking about the everyday and into the future, we get to know more about the rider behind the name; Emily King! More recently, you made the move from Devon to Cheshire. Are there any differences on between the two locations for training and competing?…

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Ways to make eventing safer identified in new study

Abby Dickinson
Ingrid Klimke (GER) riding SAP Hale Bob OLD at FEI Eventing European Championships 2021, Avenches, Switzerland (FEI/Richard Juilliart).

Ways to make eventing safer identified in new study Ways to make eventing safer have been identified in a new study by University of Bristol academics. In the first study of horse falls for over 20 years, Bristol academics have identified some simple interventions to make eventing safer.  The new data hopes to guide the reduction of injury and falls. The study pinpointed characteristics associated with an increased risk of falls in eventing, such as higher-level events, longer courses, more starters at cross-country phase and less experienced horses and athletes.…

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Domestic horse origins revealed in new study

Abby Dickinson
Domestic horse origins revealed in new study

Domestic horse origins revealed in new study Domestic horse origins have been revealed in a new study. For thousands of years, domestic horses have played a critical role in humans lives. From farming land, to war efforts and transportation, horses still remain in our lives today for sport and pleasure. However, experts have long been puzzled about where domestic horses actually came from! After consultations among hundreds of scientists, it has been agreed that the domestic horses originates from Southern Russia. The discovery provides strong evidence that of three main…

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Lara Butler Interview – Keeping Partnerships on Top Form

Abby Dickinson
Lara Butler riding Kristjan at Keysoe CD13* 2021

Lara Butler Interview – Keeping Partnerships on Top Form This month, Lara Butler took time out go her busy schedule to chat to us here at Everything Horse. A team reserve for the Olympic games in Rio, on the European team in 2017 and for the World Equestrian Games in 2018, she has more recently seen Nation Cup success and a double Grand Prix. We discussed everything from how she keeps her horses on top form, to how she looks after herself! Hi Lara, first of all, please may you introduce…

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Party Trick Legacy launched in memory of top eventing stallion killed in RTA

Abby Dickinson
Nick Gauntlett riding Party Trick (Nick Gauntlett Eventing Facebook Page)

Party Trick Legacy launched in memory of top eventing stallion killed in RTA The Party Trick legacy has been launched in memory of a top eventing stallion killed in an RTA. Earlier this year, international event rider, Nick Gauntlett announced that he had lost four horses in a freak road traffic accident. After breaking down on the way to competition, Gauntlett’s lorry was unfortunately struck by another vehicle as he and his team watched on. Of the four horse killed, one was his top eventing and breeding stallion, Party Trick.…

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Terminally ill woman granted wish to see horse for the final time

Abby Dickinson
Image retrieved from, and property of Hospice of the Good Shepherd

Terminally ill woman granted wish to see horse for the final time A terminally ill woman was granted a special visit when she was allowed to see her horse and two dogs from her hospice bed in Cheshire. Spending four weeks at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Jan Holman desperately missed her two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Monty and Rowley, as well as piebald cob, Bob. Staff at the hospice decided to surprise her with the reunion by putting her furry friends on the guest list. Image retrieved from, and…

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International Showjumper Banned For Using Spiked Boots

Abby Dickinson
Germany’s Jos Verlooy and Jacobien Dwerse Hagen rode to win The Bunn Leisure Salver at the world-renowned Hickstead Showground, in West Sussex this morning.

International Showjumper Banned For Using Spiked Boots NOTE: Images used in this article do in no way represent the type of boots used by Andre Schröder – the images are for decorative purposes only. An international showjumper has been banned for using spiked boots, in the first case of it’s kind. Ukrainian showjumper, Andre Schröder has been banned from FEI competition after sharp pressure points were found inside of the boots of his competing horse in May. Riding 13-year-old gelding, Allegro at the CSI* in Samorin, Slovakia, the points inside…

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ICE-Scan Review

Abby Dickinson
ICE-Scan Review

ICE-Scan Review ICE-Scan is the new wearable tech set to improve rider safety. Here is our review, looking at everything from ease of use to performance for horse riders. What is ICE-Scan? ICE-Scan is wearable smartphone technology, originally designed for motorbike riders. It consists of water-resistant labels that can be stuck to riding equipment and apparel. The distinctive ‘star of life’ design means the label is easy to spot and peels away to reveal a QR code. Scanning the QR code with the ICE-Scan apps allows first-responders to rider’s important…

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World’s most expensive foal sold at auction

Abby Dickinson
Luciana Diniz (POR) riding Fit For Fun 13 at Rio Olympics 2016 (Comité Olímpico Portugal)

World’s most expensive foal sold at auction The world’s most expensive foal has sold at auction. Colt foal, Especially for Fun Z, sold at Zangersheide Quality Auction for a massive €160,000.  An auction night that will ‘go down in history’, the world record-breaking price knocked the previous record out of the park. Sold to a German buyer, the foal is out of Portuguese rider Luciana Diniz’s Olympic ride. Diniz’s took 17-year-old mare, Fit For Fun 13, to the Rio Olympic’s in 2016. The Hannoverian chestnut mare has also made many Nations Cup team…

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INTERVIEW David and Louise Simpson on Collaborative Working and Training For Success

Abby Dickinson
INTERVIEW David and Louise Simpson

INTERVIEW David and Louise Simpson on Collaborative Working and Training For Success Rider Interview by Abigail Dickinson We were thrilled to interview David and Louise Simpson, quizzing them all about their training and success. Revealing very different training approaches, David and Louise discuss how their riding styles benefit horse’s training, as well as their own performance in the arena. The duo also gave us an insight into training and competing together as husband and wife, as well as a young family to consider!   Why were you both drawn to…

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New Wearable Tech Set To Improve Rider Safety

Abby Dickinson
New Wearable Tech Set To Improve Rider Safety

New Wearable Tech Set To Improve Rider Safety ICE-Scan is the new wearable tech, set to improve rider safety when hacking. A modern solution for an age old dilemma, ICE-scan allows riders to securely save and store medical and personal information for referral in the event of an emergency. As paramedics and clinicians often testify, saving time in an emergency can save lives. However, access to that critical medical information can and does save lives too. So how does ICE-scan provide this crucial information? The wearable technology allows the first…

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Two-year-old girl dies at Bedale Hunt Meet

Abby Dickinson
Two-year-old girl dies at Bedale Hunt Meet

Two-year-old girl dies at Bedale Hunt Meet A two-year-old girl dies at Bedale Hunt Meet in North Yorkshire, after falling from her pony. The incident occurred when the toddler was riding out with other members of the Bedale Hunt. Riding on land in a village near Northallerton, the young-girl fell from her pony on the Wednesday (15th September) morning hunt. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance confirmed it had attended the incident but did not provide further details. However, North Yorkshire police later confirmed that the girl later died in the early…

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New Guide to Prevent Spread of Equine Diseases Launched

Abby Dickinson
Reducing Inflammatory Airway Disease in Horses

New Guide to Prevent Spread of Equine Diseases Launched A new guide to prevent the spread of equine diseases has been launched. The British Equestrian’s Equine Infections Disease Action Group (EIDAG) has released a new, comprehensive guide aimed at mitigating the risk of equine disease transmission. Aimed at governing bodies and event organisers, the new publication condenses vital information on 12 common equine disease into 69 pages. Outlining the diseases, pillars of responsibility the industry has to horse welfare, as well as example codes of conduct and report forms, the…

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Couple Goals … Jesse and Georgie Campbell

Abby Dickinson
Jesse and Georgie campbell interview Everything Horse

Couple Goals … Jesse and Georgie Campbell Rider Interview by Abigail Dickinson This month Everything Horse interviews eventing power couple Jesse and Georgie Campbell who were kind enough to take time out of their busy schedule to talk about what it’s like to work together as husband and wife. From getting ready to compete at the Tokyo Olympics to juggling the business at home, we discuss how life compares from growing up with horses to working with them as a married couple. Hello, and thank you both for taking the…

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Trailer Test Changes Mean More Riders Can Tow Their Horses

Abby Dickinson
Equine Digital Passport Solution Proposed for Safer European Travel image of horse trailer

Trailer Test Changes Mean More Riders Can Tow Their Horses Trailer test changes mean more riders can tow their horses without taking an additional qualification. The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced changes to the trailer test requirements, although the date has not been confirmed. It means that drivers who passed their car test after 1 January 1997 will no longer have to sit a test in order to tow a trailer or caravan. The maximum authorised mass (MAM) will be 3,500kg, the weight normally required when towing…

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Olympic Modern Pentathlon Coach and Rider Receive Disciplinary Action from UIPM

Abby Dickinson
UIPM Modern Pentathlon Changes

Olympic Modern Pentathlon Coach and Rider Receive Disciplinary Action from UIPM An olympic modern pentathlon coach and rider receive disciplinary action after shocking scenes witnessed at the Tokyo 2020 Games. On Monday (6 Sept), the UIPM Disciplinary Panel announced it has completed its review of events from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Specifically focusing on the situation which occurred during the Women’s Modern Pentathlon Riding competition, the review has been long awaited. At the Games, Germany’s modern pentathlon coach, Kim Raisner, punched her athlete’s horse, horse, Saint Boy. Attempting to help…

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Gemma Tattersall Engaged After Bicton Proposal

Abby Dickinson
Chedington Equestrian Bicton Park 5* - Gemma Tattersall and Chilli Knight

Gemma Tattersall Engaged After Bicton Proposal Gemma Tattersall is engaged after a Bicton proposal. Winning her first ever  CCI5* title at the Chedington Bicton Park Horse Trials, Gemma also received an unexpected surprise at press conference afterwards. The one-off event in Devon was the first 5* event to run on UK soil in two years. Leading an an all-female top three, the first time this has been achieved in 18 years, the event was made extra special by her husband-to-be’s gesture. Gemma was taking part in the press conference in…

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Equine Therapy Helpful for PTSD in Veterans, New Study Finds

Abby Dickinson
Equine Therapy Helpful for PTSD in Veterans, New Study Finds

Equine Therapy Helpful for PTSD in Veterans, New Study Finds Equine therapy is helpful for PTSD in veterans, a new study finds. Veterans have high rates of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). With poor treatment outcomes, alternative treatments have began to gain traction, such as equine assisted therapy. In a new study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, the use of equine assisted therapy for PTSD was investigated. The study looked an 8-week group equine therapy programme centred around horsemanship. Participants took part in grooming, join-up, and leading the horse…

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Three Medals for Team GB at Tokyo Paralympic Dressage Freestyle

Abby Dickinson
Header Image; Georgia Wilson and Sakura in the Grade 2 Dressage Freestyle at Tokyo Paralympics (British Equestrian/Jon Stroud)

Three Medals for Team GB at Tokyo Paralympic Dressage Freestyle It was three medals for Team GB at the Tokyo Paralympic Dressage Freestyle competition. After a team gold for the seventh consecutive Games the day before, all eyes were on Team GB as they took to the freestyle stage. Team GB’s dressage rider’s took to their respective grades, lighting up the Paralympic Equestrian Park. Sophie Wells & Don Cara M The Grade V competition was the first freestyle competition to commence. This meant British combination, Sophie Wells and Don Cara M…

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Team GB Win Paralympic Team Dressage Gold For Seventh Consecutive Games!

Abby Dickinson
Lee Pearson and Breezer - Tokyo Paralympics Team Dressage Grade II test (FEI/Liz Gregg)

Team GB Win Paralympic Team Dressage Gold For Seventh Consecutive Games! Team GB win Paralympic Team Dressage Gold for the seventh consecutive games! After three performance over two days of team test action, it was a nervous wait for the Team GB trio. With Sir Lee Pearson, Natasha Baker, and Sophie Wells, all taking to the Paralympic stage once again, only time would tell if they could retain their title. Lee Pearson & Breezer First up were the grade two rider, with Sir Lee Pearson taking the stage for Team…

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Natasha Baker scoops Silver in the Tokyo Paralympic Dressage Grade III

Abby Dickinson
Natasha Baker riding Keystone Dawn Chorus at the Tokyo Paralympics (British Equestrian/Jon Stroud)

Natasha Baker scoops Silver in the Tokyo Paralympic Dressage Grade III Natasha Baker scoops Silver in the Tokyo Paralympic Dressage grade III. On the hunt for her sixth Paralympic title, Natasha fell slightly short as she scooped a respectable silver medal from this year’s Paralympic Games. Taking on grade III competition, the British rider was a grade II champion in London and Rio on horse, Cabral. However, now stepping up to grade III, she also arrived in Tokyo with limited experience on current horse, Keystone Dawn Chorus. She only began riding…

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Sophie Wells Scoops Silver in Grade V Para Dressage at Tokyo

Abby Dickinson
Sophie Wells riding Don Cara M at Tokyo Paralympics (British Equestrian/Jon Stroud)

Sophie Wells Scoops Silver in Grade V Para Dressage at Tokyo Sophie Wells scoops silver in the Grade V para dressage at Tokyo. Adding a third Para dressage medal to British equestrian team’s growing collection, Sophie took 2nd place during the first day of equestrian Paralympic competition. Sophie scored 74.4%, claiming her podium place between her long-time grade V rivals. Belgium’s Michele George, riding Best Of 8, took gold. Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ Frank Hosmar aboard Alphaville snatched bronze. Sophie was riding the up-and-coming Don Cara M. Taking on his first…

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