Dannie is a grand prix dressage rider and eventer based in Hampshire. He is from a non-horsey family and started riding at a local riding school when he was 10. He has won 19 regional and eight national championship titles between the white boards and has been placed several times at small tour.
One thing I ensure is that I know each of my horses well. I understand every inch of every horse who comes on to the yard, so I can treat them as individuals. If you pay attention to the small things, you are able to pick up on the slight changes in physical appearance and health or temperament, so you can adjust programmes or care accordingly.
However, for a horse to perform at its best, there is no one thing that takes precedence. The whole management programme together is what makes it work; from the structured training plans, to having well-fitted tack that’s checked regularly, to individual feeding regimes and supplements, to regular teeth and physio checks.
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Freelance equestrian journalist
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
