The new issue of Horse is out now, and it's jam-packed with training and horse care advice. Plus, don't miss our interview with China's eventing star Alex Hua Tian, meet our new columnist, chick lit queen Fiona Walker, and find out why some of our top equestrian competitors are struggling to raise the funds to get to the World Equestrian Games.
THE BIG TACK MAKEOVER
We all want our horses to be comfortable and perform to the best of their ability, but when was the last time you got your tack checked? Has your horse changed shape since his saddle was fitted? This month, we give five horses a complete tack makeover, with expert advice on getting the right fit for your horse, whatever his shape.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Find out all about China's first ever Olympic event rider, Alex Hua Tian. He shares the ups and downs of life on the competition circuit, and tells us why he's decided to put his academic plans on hold until after London 2012.
The topic on everyone's lips at the moment is the World Equestrian Games, kicking off in Kentucky this September. Our eventing, showjumping, dressage and paradressage teams are gearing up to bring home the medals, but some of our other equestrian stars are struggling to get there – and not through lack of talent. Find out why the British driving team can't afford to go, and how our endurance, vaulting and reining teams are scraping together the cash to compete on the world stage.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to work in animal welfare? Then don't miss our real life feature, where you can meet three incredible women who devote their time to saving and caring for rescued horses. It's inspiring stuff.
Fans of chick lit will be no stranger to Fiona Walker's novels, and we're proud to introduce her as our new columnist. Each month, she'll be giving us the low-down on her equestrian adventures, and revealing the inspiration for her outrageous leading characters.
WIN A LESSON WITH MATT RYAN
We've got a great prize for one lucky reader this month – training with Olympic eventer Matt Ryan plus a Haygain steamer. Click on the competitions tab for your chance to win.
TRAINING TIME
There's loads of training advice in this month's Horse to help you hone your riding skills. Does your horse fidget in halt, or do you have trouble getting him to stand square? We might just have the solution… Eventing star Ruth Edge demonstrates some simple exercises to improve your horse's halt.
Event rider Brook Staples helps a reader keep her horse in a good rhythm and thinking forwards over a course of showjumps in our masterclass, and dressage trainer Nicky Barrett shares her tips for picking up top scores in a Novice level test.
THE BEST HORSE CARE ADVICE
If your horse is able to sniff out the tiniest bit of medication in a bucketful of feed, you're not alone. Which is why we've put together some expert tips on administering wormers, tablets and powders to help make the task a breeze, even with the fussiest of horses.
You've heard of dehydration in marathon runners, but have you ever considered that your horse could be at risk? With the recent hot weather in mind, we've got some timely guidance for ensuring your horse remains fully hydrated, whatever your equestrian activities.
With all the other usual Horse favourites, such as horse care, news, Q&As, product reviews and brilliant tips throughout the magazine, you can't afford to miss out on the August issue.
For a full list of contents, click on the 'Read more' link below. And don't forget to pick up Horse, on sale from 22 July.
* Subscribe to Horse now and save up to 32 per cent. Visit www.horsesubscriptions.co.uk/summer
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If you have an equestrian query on any topic, from competing to horsecare, transport to tack, Horse can help. Please send your question to the Horse team at lisa_reich@ipcmedia.com, putting 'Q & A' in the subject menu. And if we use your question, you'll receive a free bag of Spillers horse treats.
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