Burghley winner’s death, vet pet hate, and other things the horseworld is talking about

1. The passing of one of William Fox-Pitt’s great five-star rides

Parklane Hawk, who won both Burghley Horse Trials and Kentucky Three-Day Event with William Fox-Pitt, has died aged 22. William and his wife Alice are guest-editing next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out 31 March, in which William talks about the six horses who made his career, including Catherine Witt’s Parklane Hawk. William says: “He was my first reserve horse for the London Olympics and when you consider his record, it might seem strange he never did teams, but I had a strong string at that time. He was an amazing galloper, but more of a five-star horse than a team horse. He was a beast, a machine of an athlete; across country he was hard core.”

William Fox-PItt and Parklane Hawk win Kentucky 2012. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Read more about Parklane Hawk

2. The things top vets really hate

Former British Equine Veterinary Association president Lucy Grieve has named her “pet hates”, having spent a great deal of her recent time myth-busting and helping horse owners update “some rather out-of-date knowledge”. Things that irritate Lucy include ignoring behavioural signs, indiscriminate worming, over-feeding and wound powder. There’s more…and we’re taking note to ensure we’re not guilty of any…

The things vets really wish we wouldn’t do

3. Sonnar Murray-Brown on his life-changing accident

International grand prix dressage rider Sonnar Murray-Brown was involved in a horrific car accident that left him with two broken legs at the age of 20. Since then he has made a comeback and faced further setbacks, which he discusses on episode 95 of The Horse & Hound Podcast. His attitude to pushing forward, without comparing your own journey to others’, is inspirational.

Find out more about Sonnar

You might also be interested in:

H&H interview: Sonnar Murray-Brown — the grand prix dressage rider told he would never ride again after a devastating car crash *H&H Plus*

‘An amazing journey together’: prolific four-star event horse retires aged 19

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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.