Equestrian world

A holistic approach is needed when it comes to bitting, experts have agreed DON’T just look at the bit when it comes to resolving problems with the contact, riders have been told. Experts urged those in the equestrian world to look at the whole picture — horse and rider — when it comes to bitting. The calls were made at the Worshipful Company of Loriners’ conference on 6 November. Leading equine vet Dr Jane Nixon stressed the value of understanding the knock-on efects of conformation and horse management...

Governing bodies are pledging support for an initiative aiming to improve the lives of the equestrian workforce The time is now for changing the equestrian industry, according to those behind a new initiative...

In Anti-Bullying Week, Eleanor Jones investigates why this disturbing behaviour is rife in the horse world. IN September, a 14-year-old rider who had been sufering at the hands of bullies took his own life. The tragic death of Bradley John has led to increased numbers of people standing up against bullying in the horse world, a widespread problem that can be seen from grassroots to the very top levels of the sport. Rosie Jones McVey, who has just completed a PhD in social anthropology, has been studying the ethics of British horse people...