Are you a Twitter addict who thinks in hashtags and dreams of retweets? Or does the @ sign still puzzle you, but you’re happy to have a scroll while you’re waiting for your farrier to arrive?
Either way, there are some equestrians you’d be foolish not to follow. From riders at the top of their game to those just starting out on the international circuit, and one or two in between, we’ve picked 19 that will keep you entertained and in the loop. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, too: @horseandhound
1. Bruce Haskell, eventer
@kiwieventer
Kiwi eventer based in Oxfordshire. Currently president of the Event Riders Association International.
Taster tweet:
Only #eventers know the sound of rain on a Horsebox roof at 2am
— Bruce Haskell (@kiwieventer) August 14, 2015
2. Laura Tomlinson, dressage rider
@LauraB_dressage
European, world and Olympic dressage medallist. Married to England polo player Mark Tomlinson and mother of one.
Taster tweet:
This was my Thursday well spent.. 1st birthday was very special with a serious baking challenge for mummy!! pic.twitter.com/t0xY4AWDyI
— Laura Tomlinson (@LauraB_dressage) July 18, 2015
3. Emily Llewellyn, eventer
@Emily_Llewellyn
Surrey-based eventer, aged 26, who is the only rider to have ridden on 8 consecutive Youth European Championship Teams.
Taster tweet:
Ella has taken ridiculous to a new level this morning out hacking with her she did a massive fart, spooked herself and shot off!????
— Emily Llewellyn (@Emily_Llewellyn) July 16, 2015
4. Lauren Shannon, eventer
@ShannonEventing
Leicestershire-based eventer and producer of young horses.
Taster tweet:
We're unpacking after @BlenheimHorse 2015 and someone doesn't want it to be over…. pic.twitter.com/TsNqxBI9sg
— Lauren Shannon (@ShannonEventing) September 21, 2015
5. Laura Collett, eventer
@CollettEventing
Lambourn-based eventer who has won countless medals at pony, junior and young rider level.
Taster tweet:
Lovely morning hack on Pamero at Blenheim ? pic.twitter.com/cBquRYreJE
— Laura Collett (@CollettEventing) September 17, 2015
6. Clare Balding, broadcaster
@clarebalding
A British national treasure — keep up to date whether she’s reporting on racing, eventing, tennis… or going for a ramble.
Taster tweet:
Filming with @foxpitteventing for a BBC feature at European Champs. Just love watching William ride pic.twitter.com/54dLM5JFVo
— Clare Balding (@clarebalding) August 26, 2015
7. Nick Gauntlett, eventer
@nick_gauntlett
Eventer and coach based in Gloucestershire. Father of one.
Taster tweet:
Not content with his work yesterday in the arena, today Henry is working on the yard! #helpful pic.twitter.com/BaYyjGhXvn
— Nick Gauntlett FBHS (@nick_gauntlett) July 2, 2015
8. Carl Hester, dressage rider
@HesterDressage
Gloucestershire-based dressage legend and Olympic gold medallist.
Taster tweet:
Obligatory field photo! – Barney enjoying his well deserved downtime with his mate Daffy. pic.twitter.com/vcRpHwjT2o
— Carl Hester MBE (@HesterDressage) August 17, 2015
9. Gavin Makinson, amatuer eventer
@GJMEventing
Events when he is not busy doing his day job as a West End actor
Taster tweet:
When you're 'working from home', your boss calls and your desk won't stop whinnying. Awkward. pic.twitter.com/FVa1t3BpS6
— GJM Eventing (@GJMEventing) September 2, 2015
10. Sam Watson, Irish event rider
@watsoneventing
International eventer and father of two
Taster tweet:
Regrettably, both the evenings and my mother appear to be getting noticeably shorter. Depressing but inevitable…
— Sam Watson (@watsoneventing) August 24, 2015
11. Chris Stone, event horse owner
@ChristopherMRSt
Successful businessman and owner of a number of event horses, most notably Chilli Morning
Taster tweet:
Closed down 7 hour strategy meeting quite abruptly to get to airport. Indian colleagues a bit confused about Blair. Asking about Tony.
— Christopher MR Stone (@ChristopherMRSt) September 9, 2015
12. William Whitaker, showjumper
@Will_Whit89
A member of the Whitaker dynasty and a father
Taster tweet:
Happy Birthday John Whitaker !! #Legend #60 pic.twitter.com/ZWQj3auc5c
— William Whitaker (@Will_Whit89) August 5, 2015
13. Scott Brash, showjumper
@scott_brash
One of the most successful showjumpers of all time and a relative newbie to the world of Twitter
Taster tweet:
Arrived home I am so overwhelmed with all the support & lovely words people have said and thanks to my amazing team@RolexGrandSlam #rolex
— Scott Brash (@scott_brash) September 15, 2015
14. Olivia Oakeley, dressage rider
@OakeleyDressage
Young international dressage rider and member of the British junior/young rider squad for the past five years
Taster tweet:
My world ❤️ end of an era with my gorgeous boy, been an emotional day!!! Love my boy so so much ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UxJBTkIPcV
— Olivia Oakeley (@OakeleyDressage) September 17, 2015
15. Alice Oppenheimer, dressage rider
@aliceopp15
Dressage rider and producer of young horses
Taster tweet:
Fab morning helping at @hoofride #GiveHorsesAGo do. Meet Dennis, my new project! #ThisGirlCanRide pic.twitter.com/W773WIjXeZ
— Alice Oppenheimer (@aliceopp15) September 13, 2015
16. Jay Halim, showjumper
@JayTigerHalim
Former event rider who has now turned his attention to showjumping
Taster tweet:
How to train your horses to go long and low! #Bart #classicaltraining pic.twitter.com/fpl3nL1fVm
— Jay Tiger Halim (@JayTigerHalim) September 24, 2015
17. Rocket Roy, racehorse
@Roy_Rocket
Follow the life of the popular Flat racehorse Rocket Roy who also has his own well-followed Facebook page
Taster tweet:
Ah, bliss. On holiday @Hilboroughstud with my good friend Hymn For The Dudes #ThisIsTheLife pic.twitter.com/dO6kMJNHoZ
— Roy Rocket (@Roy__Rocket) September 23, 2015
18. Harry Derham, second assistant to Paul Nicholls
@Harry05Derham
This former jockey gives a fascinating insight into life behind the scenes at the stables of champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls
Taster tweet:
Dodging bullets having a canter this morning. The talented man behind the lens is @TomJonason pic.twitter.com/I8mfdGI5bB
— Harry Derham (@Harry05Derham) September 24, 2015
19. Ben Hobday, eventer
@BenHobday
Last but by no means least, arguably the most followed eventer on Twitter, four-star eventer Ben never fails to provide motivational or just plain hilarious tweets, not forgetting his familiar hashtag (#yehboi). Currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, Ben’s tweets are inspirational, and with just short of 14,000 followers, he doesn’t struggle for support from his fans
Taster tweet:
Trot up time @BramhamPark #WhatYouSayin #yehboi pic.twitter.com/g4Qb3EX5zH
— Ben Hobday (@BenHobday) June 10, 2015
Which equestrians do you rate on Twitter? Let us know below…