Now the clocks have changed and the evenings are darker and unfortunately the weather is only going to worse. With this in mind I thought I’d just take a look at and talk about hacking safely throughout the year. I personally have encountered many rude and disrespectful drivers, walkers, dog walkers and even other horse riders. I’m sure many of you reading this will also have encountered this or know someone that has. So what can we do as horse riders to make our hacking experiences as positive and enjoyable as possible?

We are delighted to welcome a guest blog by Lancashire-based Grand Prix Dressage Rider Hannah Doggett. Hannah is an up-and-coming young dressage rider who has her own yard where she breeds, produces and competes dressage horses, with a special love of PRE (Andalusian) horses. She is 100% dedicated to producing happy, comfortable, successful horses and here we benefit from Hannah’s sage advice on keeping your equine athletes warm at all times through the cold winter months.

It’s the time of year many animal owners dread – firework night! Although, especially when the 5th November falls on a weeknight, fireworks are let off most nights of the week for 2-3 weeks! Not only a stressful time for animals and their owners, but for grooms caring for horses through the firework period, too. Keeping everyone (both four and two footed) safe throughout this period is a concern for everyone, so we’ve gathered some top tips for grooms caring for horses and other animals through this time of year.

Apologies in advance to all of you who still have your mind set to happy, sunny, long summer days but the time has now come to start turning our thoughts to the fast approaching winter season. Temperatures are dropping, days are getting shorter, the show season is drawing to a close and the Hunters are out for their early morning jaunts revving up to full steam ahead for the opening meet. Much as we all jest about the delights of the British weather in winter, there is plenty to enjoy too; think frosty early morning hacks, days out at the races, having some downtime if you’re in Eventing/Showing, hunt balls, escaping to the sun for the Showjumpers and dare I say it…Christmas! As with all things in life the key to avoiding stress is good organisation.  So here we are again with another dispenser load of wise words, silly opinions and ridiculous pictures that may or may not help you prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for the slightly more challenging season ahead.