A five-star rider’s wedding, the passing of a much-loved judge, and other things the equestrian world is talking about

Pony Club branch support at five-star rider’s wedding

Five-star eventer Rosie Thomas, who finishing 13th at Burghley in 2008 riding crowd-favourite Barry’s Best, married Andrew Willmett on 29 September in St Michael’s Church, Bockleton. Rosie is also chief instructor of the Ludlow Hunt branch of the Pony Club, and when she came out of the church she was met by a surprise guard of honour – 21 of her young riders dressed in their best jodhpurs and Pony Club sweatshirts, whips decorated with pink and white ribbon. Rosie said: “It was a shock to see them, I think I said ‘what are you lot doing here?’! I think the boys had a few sword fights beforehand – but I didn’t see it! It really was a great day.”

Read more about this lovely occasion

Farewell to a great of the dressage world

Rosemary Herbert, the respected dressage judge and mentor, died peacefully on 20 September 2024, aged 96. Rosemary was involved in pony, junior, young rider and senior teams, travelling Europe as a chef d’équipe or selector for Britain. Some of her proudest moments were when Great Britain won a young rider silver medal in 1986 and a senior European silver medal in 1993. She enjoyed mentoring up-and-coming judges, many of whom have become respected judges themselves. She was hugely respected in the equestrian world, priding herself on her integrity and always willing to share her knowledge and great wealth of experience with others.

Obituary: Rosemary Herbert

A “wow” equestrian home

A jaw-dropping estate, set in 70 acres with indoor and outdoor arenas, 16 stables and more, has come onto the market. Palomino Pines Ranch Estate is a 70-acre ranch in Chama, New Mexico, set in the Southern Rockies and just a few moment’s drive from the state of Colorado. It’s the stuff of dreams.

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Sarah Jenkins

H&H editor-in-chief

Sarah has more than 20 years experience as an equestrian journalist and editor. She has reported from major championships including the Europeans and the World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on equestrianism including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Sarah has ridden since childhood, owned horses and ponies for over 25 years, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university.