Horse&Rider Magazine – March 2026

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Welcome to our first issue of 2026: The Year of the Horse. Does that feel auspicious? Let’s circle back later in a few months to reassess…

There have been very few ‘new year’ resolutions bandied around Team H&R this year, and as Editor Louise explains, “I increasingly feel the January push to achieve more and change habits is unrealistic and ill-timed, when the days are short and the energy levels are low. It’s not the time for ambitious plans, but that’s not to say you can’t be productive, and this issue we’ve got a range of ideas to inspire and help you enjoy the end of winter. Starting in the feed room and stable, our simple guide to giving your horse’s diet an MOT will help ensure he’s feeling and looking his best this year, while behaviourist Lucy Chester explains how clicker training can work to help prepare your horse for – and to deal with – difficult situations, such as vet visits. Meanwhile, Fizz Marshall explores how small tweaks to your routine, inspired by the way professional yards are run, can help make life easier and help you spend your time more efficiently.”

This issue, we’ve got a huge range of exercises for you to try – whether you need quick, effective solutions or are upping your training ahead of the competition season. Top eventer and showjumper Gemma Stevens shares her favourite jumping exercise that’s both physically and mentally challenging, while Jay Buxton’s top tips will help you teach your horse to wait over fences. We’ve got two fab polework layouts for you to try, too. Polework guru Nina Gill kickstarts her new series and eventer and influencer Meg Elphick shares her go-to groundwork exercise. Whether you’re working your horse under saddle or in-hand, there are so many benefits to be had – so why not give them a go and let us know how you get on?

Confidence. When you have it, it makes you feel capable, calm and in control, but the moment something goes wrong, confidence can take a nosedive – not because you lack skill, but because self-belief wasn’t rooted in the right place to begin with. Psychotherapist Sean Roberts is here to share his top tips and advice to help you build long-lasting confidence from the inside out.

Have you ever thought about changing career? It’s never too late to take the plunge. If you’ve felt drawn to working with horses – or in an equine-related field – now could be the perfect time to start and we’re here to help. This issue, we also explore the options for your horse’s foot care, so if you’ve ever considered going barefoot, this one’s for you. We discuss whether you should make the switch, if you need a new farrier, or whether equine podiatry could be the right choice, with expert guidance on every possibility.

Plus, don’t forget to check out our feed mashes buyer’s guide. We’ve got all the key information you need to make the right choice and there are options for every horse and budget, whether you’re looking to add condition, mask medication, replace forage or increase water intake – which is especially important during the recent cold spells. You could also be in with a chance of winning a new riding hat, safety stirrups and so much more!

This issue also comes with the 2026 Shires catalogue – it’s packed with must-have products for both you and your horse, so whether you’re needing to upgrade your kit or looking to treat yourself, dive in!