Horse&Rider Magazine – Spring 2026

Description

“I’m not in the competing era of my horsey journey,” says Editor Louise, “but working on the grassroots feature in this issue, and reading the inspiring advice from eventer Alex Bragg for riders aiming for Badminton Grassroots, has made me keen to dust off my show jacket. Whether or not you already enjoy competing, don’t miss out on our grassroots guide. You’ll be surprised at how many classes across different disciplines there are aimed at riders just like you, with the chance to qualify for and ride at some amazing championship shows.”

And if you’ve got the bug, then don’t miss our exclusive collaboration with British Eventing – Horse&Rider readers who sign up as new members can get a completely free horse registration for 2026, worth a staggering £78. That’s saving almost 50% on your registration fees.

Did you know that 2026 is the National Year of Reading? You’re already one step ahead of many people because you’re eyeing up the magazine, but this issue we’ve rounded up 17 recommended horsey fiction books. Whether you’re waiting for the farrier to arrive, curled up on the sofa at home, or winding down before bed, they’ll give you your horsey fix, and some escapism, too.

Get ready to say goodbye to your hacking worries and feel confident out and about with your horse with our practical plans that will take your rides to a whole new level. From exploring new routes to enjoying faster rides and practising mindfulness, hacking can become so much more than simply riding from A to B. Don’t miss our fantastic training exercises, too – from lateral work to technical cross-country lines, and effective exercises to try when time isn’t on your side, we’ve got something for everyone.

Have you ever tried liberty and trick training with your horse? It’s a great way to strengthen your bond, and this issue Lucy Chester shows you how you can use positive reinforcement and clicker training to do just that – follow her advice and have a go at her exercises to find out more. Plus, if you’re needing a more positive mindset as winter draws to a close, mindfulness practitioner Angie Jones-Moore helps you get set for success with tips on making realistic goals, creating a weekly plan that you can stick to and tackling your emotions along the way.

Gastric ulcers affect around a third of horses and can be responsible for a wide range of symptoms, from changes in behaviour to poor ridden performance. However, the most worrying thing is that many horses who are suffering the pain of ulcers show few or no outward changes. So, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you reduce the risk and maintain your horse’s gastric health.

Don’t forget to check out our buyer’s guide to wheelbarrows, gilets on test and amazing competitions, too! All this and so much more in the Spring issue of Horse&Rider – on sale now!