Andrea Oakes

Growing old disgracefully: Former equine stars who still get up to crazy antics *H&H Plus*

Some say old age is a licence to misbehave. These former stars certainly think so, finds Andrea Oakes, who tracks down some who still get up to crazy antics

Riders reveal lockdown’s silver lining and the unexpected benefits to their horses *H&H Plus*

The grisly pandemic may have upturned our lives and goals, but it has thrown up some unexpected benefits to our horses. Andrea Oakes looks on the bright side to find out what riders, vets and trainers have learnt from lockdown

Delilah’s a dream at Brendon Stud, plus other dressage highlights *H&H Plus*

Dressage highlights: ‘It was the test of my life’ *H&H Plus*

A petite but tricky gelding finally shows what he’s made of, while a Friesian show-off causes a stir

Have you done the paperwork? All you need to know about the microchipping process *H&H Plus*

Your horse may be microchipped, but have you let the paperwork lapse? A new law requires the process to be complete, discovers Andrea Oakes

Dressage highlights: ‘She gives you the world’ *H&H Plus*

A British-bred mare succeeds at PSG with a plus-70% score, while a “big, powerful” gelding comes into his own

Dressage highlights: Quivantos makes a winning return *H&H Plus*

A sleepy “surprise” proves successful, while a Paralympic champion is back in action after an accident

Keeping the years at bay: How to prolong a horse’s active days *H&H Plus*

Advances in veterinary medicine are helping us to keep horses healthier, for longer. Andrea Oakes discovers how we can eke out the active years

Dressage highlights: Lockdown schooling pays off and a talented home-bred wins *H&H Plus*

Lockdown schooling pays dividends for an energetic thoroughbred, and a spooky but talented home-bred’s prelim score improves by 10% in three weeks

Dressage highlights: Swift progress delivers glory *H&H Plus*

A brand new combination impress the judges, while a young pony with a “trainable attitude” works her way up the levels

Dressage highlights: Impressive treble for Millis *H&H Plus*

Exciting younger horses create a stir across the levels

Tried and tested: Why a pre-purchase examination on a new horse remains vital *H&H Plus*

Business may be brisk, but a pre-purchase exam remains a must if you’re planning to buy

Dressage highlights: A PSG comeback for one rider, while a Welsh pony impresses *H&H Plus*

A grand prix rider returns to the higher levels for the first time in five years, and a Welsh pony impresses his fan base

Dressage highlights: A spooky Spanish gelding shines and more from across the country *H&H Plus*

A spooky Spanish gelding exceeds expectations, while a young rider shows off new stars

Dressage returns: Horses and riders show they are revitalised after break *H&H Plus*

Combinations return to the ring revitalised after the competition break to succeed at new levels

‘The best days of our lives’: We compare 1950s Pony Club with today *H&H Plus*

Mobile phones, tack and jods may have reshaped our riding culture, but is a Pony Clubber’s lifestyle so very different? Andrea Oakes compares the 1950s with today

Raising a healthy equine: How does my young horse grow? *H&H Plus*

The more we understand about the early years, the healthier the equine athletes we’ll raise, discovers Andrea Oakes

The genetic palette: The science behind coloured horses’ coats *H&H Plus*

Coloured coats tend to be associated with heavy breeding and limited competitive ability – but are the patches allied to certain athletic traits or is it mere pigmentation? Andrea Oakes looks at the science

Taming the tiny tyrant: 7 common problems with naughty ponies and how to solve them *H&H Plus*

Quick-thinking, intelligent or downright delinquent, ponies have all manner of tricks in their armoury. Andrea Oakes checks out seven common problems and how to solve them

6 ways to get the most out of your trainer (forget trying to find a quick fix)

BD UKCC level three coach Alison Short gives some pointers on how to get the most out of your trainer