Author: Suzanne Ashton

joe whitaker HOYS 2026
Horse NewsShowjumping News
Suzanne Ashton

“Thankfully Jack didn’t get me today!” Joe Whitaker wins HOYS thriller

Joe Whitaker had cousin Jack hot on his heels as he rode Vagalenco GF to victory in the Dallamires Stables Cup on day three of Horse of the Year Show. Just 0.15 seconds separated the cousins in a thrilling jump-off on Friday evening, with Jack and D&H Valmy De Le Lande finishing second as the class brought the day’s competition to a close. Seven strong combinations from 26 starters progressed to the jump-off, with Max Routledge and Me The Rebel R.T completing the podium. The result rounded off another successful day for the Whitaker family, following William’s victory in the

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Raphaela Dawson doubles at HOYS with second major title riding in the STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Championship aboard MHS Glow. Image credit 1st Class Images This time it was Woody Van Duyversputten’s turn in the spotlight as Raphaela guided him to victory with an immaculate first round followed by a smooth, fast jump-off. A strong first round showcased the calibre of young riders rising through the ranks, with 11 combinations from 20 starters securing their place in the jump-off. Pony championships such as these provide valuable experience for riders aiming to progress onto the international circuit. William Whitaker, a previous Pony Foxhunter champion, and Jodie Hall McAteer, who enjoyed a successful pony career before moving into senior competition, illustrate where that pathway can lead. Raphaela’s time of 28.82 seconds secured victory ahead of Olivia Brightmore riding Flore Des Islots, with Portia Taylor-Wilson finishing third on Olivia W. The small chestnut gelding took the tight turns confidently, maintaining a smooth rhythm as Raphaela steered him around the course. “We’ve had the pony for five years now, and I am the only one who has ever jumped him in the ring,” Raphaela said. “When we first brought him home he used to go around our fields and jump the fences, so we always knew he could jump, but he was very difficult to break in, so he was actually kind of a year behind every other pony of his age.
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

Raphaela Dawson doubles up at HOYS with second major title

Raphaela Dawson completed a memorable double at Horse of the Year Show with victory in the STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Championship. The Berkshire rider, a European Pony Championship team gold medallist for Great Britain this summer, had already been crowned Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year aboard MHS Glow. This time it was Woody Van Duyversputten’s turn in the spotlight as Raphaela guided him to victory with an immaculate first round followed by a smooth, fast jump-off. A strong first round showcased the calibre of young riders rising through the ranks, with 11 combinations from 20 starters securing their place in

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William Whitaker HOYS 2026. Image credit First Class Images
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

William Whitaker Wins HOYS Grandstand Welcome Stakes Aboard La Vie Est D’Or

William Whitaker made a winning start to international competition at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2026, claiming victory in the Grandstand Welcome Stakes aboard La Vie Est D’Or. The Huddersfield-based showjumper produced a quick round in the two-phase competition, stopping the clock at 30.06 seconds to secure the opening international victory at Birmingham’s NEC. Drawn fourth from 27 starters, Whitaker set an early benchmark that proved impossible to beat. Madison Heath came closest, finishing second aboard Ivory in 30.98 seconds, while Chris Smith completed the top three with Messarado Blue. A Winning Debut Partnership Remarkably, the victory came in

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Other News and Reads
Suzanne Ashton

Risk, Reward and the Ride: The UK Horse World’s Relationship with Casino Culture

Those who spend their lives around horses understand risk in a way that those outside the equestrian world rarely appreciate. Buying a horse is a financial commitment made on the basis of a vet check, a few test rides, and a gut feeling about how an animal’s character might develop. Training for competition involves investing thousands of hours and pounds into an outcome that depends on the horse’s willingness, the rider’s form on the day, the condition of the ground, and a dozen other variables that no amount of preparation fully controls. The uk casino industry and the UK’s equestrian

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James Smith
Horse NewsShowjumping News
Suzanne Ashton

James Smith and Juno Rose 23 Race to Victory at HOYS 2026

James Smith claimed an impressive victory aboard chestnut mare, Juno Rose 23 at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2026, heading a competitive British field in The Evoke Stakes (CSI3*) on Friday, 9 October. Competing in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, Smith produced a faultless round in 56.99 seconds aboard the 12-year-old mare, owned by Thomas Carruthers and Gillian Blackburn. Securing first place, the pair rode away with €3,300 in prize money. Joseph Trunkfield came closest to challenging the winning combination, finishing just 0.38 seconds behind with the 13-year-old stallion Darjeeling Desir. Their clear round in 57.37 seconds secured second

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A golden retriever with clean teeth. Featured image accompanying our guide to products for dogs with bad breath, covering dog-safe toothpaste, dental powders and chews that support a regular oral-care routine.
Pets
Suzanne Ashton

Best products for dogs with bad breath: toothpaste, powders and chews

Your dog settles beside you for a cuddle, opens their mouth and suddenly you’re wishing they had chosen the other end of the sofa. If that sounds familiar, you might be looking for something that helps with their smelly breath without adding another complicated job to your day. Daily brushing with dog-safe toothpaste is the best starting point for controlling plaque. Dental powders and chews can support a regular oral-care routine, but no breath freshener replaces a veterinary check for bad breath. The right product depends on your dog’s health, size and willingness to have their teeth brushed. PDSA advises

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Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

TikTok, Farrington and MET- Horse News From Around the World Today: 6 October 2026

The latest horse news from around the world today includes a new Grand Prix star for American showjumper Kent Farrington, Belgium’s Thibeau Spits maintaining his position at the top of two FEI jumping rankings, and new research examining how horse riding falls and risks are portrayed on TikTok. Here are some of the international equestrian stories making the news on Tuesday 6 October 2026. Kent Farrington and Rexton win first Grand Prix together World number two Kent Farrington has added another international Grand Prix victory to his record, this time with exciting new ride Rexton. The American rider won the

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Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

Horse News From Around the World Today: 5 October 2026

The latest horse news from around the world today includes Great Britain winning the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final at Boekelo, Germany taking the Longines League of Nations title in Barcelona and major international showjumping results from the Asian Games, Mexico and Spain. Away from competition, new equine research has examined spinal movement in military and police horses with a history of load-pulling work. Here are the international equestrian stories making the news on Monday 5 October 2026. Great Britain win 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final at Boekelo Great Britain have won the inaugural FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final

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Longines League of Nations™ Final 2026 - Barcelona (ESP) Marcus Ehning (GER) rides Coolio 42 during the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona (ESP) on 4 October 2026 © FEI/Leanjo de Koster
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

Great Britain finish sixth as Germany win Longines League of Nations Final

Great Britain finished sixth in the Longines League of Nations Final 2026 in Barcelona on Sunday, as Germany secured the title following a jump-off against Brazil. The defending champions were unable to repeat their 2025 victory at the Real Club de Polo, finishing behind fifth-placed Italy and ahead of Ireland, France and Spain. Germany and Brazil completed the two rounds on four penalties apiece, forcing a jump-off to decide the title. Richard Vogel delivered the winning clear with Cloudio after Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom lowered a fence for Brazil. Belgium completed the podium on five penalties, with the USA

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Gemma Stevens
Eventing NewsHorse News
Suzanne Ashton

Great Britain win 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final at Boekelo

Great Britain won the inaugural FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final at Boekelo, finishing ahead of Germany after a closely fought showjumping decider in the Netherlands. Katie Magee, Gemma Stevens and Yasmin Ingham delivered the three counting scores to secure victory on 84.4 penalties. Germany finished just 2.6 penalties behind on 87.0, while Ireland claimed third on 97.5. Britain’s winning squad comprised Magee with Cushlas Indigo, Stevens with Cooley Park Muze, Ingham with Kinda Corvette and Kirsty Chabert with Classic VI. Chabert’s elimination during cross-country left the remaining three combinations to complete without the security of a discard score. With every

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Yumove for horses review-2
Product Guides
Suzanne Ashton

YuMOVE for Horses: Joint Supplements, Ingredients and What to Consider

YuMOVE for horses is a range of powdered supplements formulated to provide nutritional support for joint health and mobility. Here, we look at the two horse formulas, their ingredients and what to consider before adding either to your horse’s feed. Changes in a horse’s movement or willingness to work can have several causes. Age, workload, previous injury and underlying health conditions may all be relevant. If your horse develops stiffness, lameness or a change in behaviour during exercise, speak to your vet rather than assuming a supplement will resolve it. This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission

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John Whitaker riding over a jump
Horse NewsShowing News
Suzanne Ashton

HOYS 2026 international showjumping line-up revealed with six Whitakers among star names

Horse of the Year Show has revealed the international showjumping riders heading to the Andrews Bowen International Arena at HOYS 2026, with 35 combinations set to contest some of the show’s biggest classes. The line-up features a strong mix of established international names and rising British talent, with no fewer than six members of the Whitaker family on the list. John Whitaker will be joined by Robert, William, Jack, George and Joe Whitaker, continuing the family’s long association with top-level showjumping and Horse of the Year Show. Brothers Shane and Trevor Breen are also among those confirmed, alongside Holly Smith,

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UAE Team members on the podium
Horse NewsShowjumping News
Suzanne Ashton

UAE wins Asian Games showjumping team silver as Saudi Arabia retains gold

The UAE claimed showjumping team silver at the Asian Games 2026 in Tokyo on Thursday 1 October, delivering five clear rounds as Saudi Arabia retained its title in a contest decided by the final rider. The Emirates Jumping Team finished on four faults across two rounds at JRA Equestrian Park, taking silver ahead of host nation Japan. Saudi Arabia completed the competition without adding a fault to secure gold. Representing the UAE were Sheikha Latifah Bint Ahmed Al Maktoum with Cornet XL, Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi with Mentos, Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi with Hudson de Vains, and Omar Abdul

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Canter and Craft
Horse News
Suzanne Ashton

Canter & Craft reaches two national award finals months after launch

Independent equestrian brand Canter & Craft has been named a finalist in two categories at the national Small Business Awards, just months after launching in July 2026. The business is shortlisted for Best Equestrian Business and Best Pet Business, having started with a DIY Neckrope Kit that allows horse owners to choose their colours and make a piece for their horse. Founder Libby combined her love of horses with a passion for creating, although she initially questioned whether her first kits would find an audience. Since then, the brand says its products have reached riders around the world, attracting interest

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How to keep the stable yard clean with an image of a bay horse eating hay in his stable
FeaturesTraining
Suzanne Ashton

Stable Yard Rules – Top 15 Tips to Help Keep Everyone Happy

Let’s talk stable yard rules – made simple. We’ve put together a set of clear, easy-to-follow rules that you can quickly share with your livery clients or yard members. Perfect for posting in a Facebook group, sending via WhatsApp, or sharing through any group messaging app you use to keep your yard communication running smoothly. These practical yard guidelines are ideal for improving stable management, promoting good horse care, and keeping everyone on the same page. 15 Simple Stable Yard Rules It might be worth arranging a yard meeting to agree on a few basic ground rules. A little clarity

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a premium leather belt by pampeano
Equestrian Reads
Suzanne Ashton

What to Look for When Buying a Leather Belt for Yard Life

Buying a decent leather belt tends to get put off until last, tucked in behind boots, gloves and a fresh set of stable rugs. Yet it’s one of those quiet items that ends up doing more work than almost anything else in a rider’s wardrobe. It holds up jodhpurs through a full day of mucking out, keeps overalls in place when you’re hauling hay bales, and somehow needs to look smart enough for a quick trip into town straight afterwards. Most riders eventually gravitate towards proper leather over synthetic alternatives, and it’s worth understanding why before parting with your money.

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