1. Not being able to tow trailers from 15 November after all
Those who passed their driving test after 1 January 1997 had thought that they would be able to start legally towing a horse trailer (within certain weight limits) without taking another test from 15 November, but this date has now been postponed until… we don’t know when. The scrapping of trailer tests had raised road safety concerns, and was a decision said to have been made in an attempt to free up testing centres to allow for more HGV drivers to qualify. “The change will be introduced at a later date, and as soon as possible,” read the DVLA statement.
2. William Funnell being back in action after injury
Welcome back to competition William Funnell, who has made his return to the competition arena after breaking his leg in a fall. William was back in action in the CSI2* Lier, Belgium, last week and is targeting a return to five-star level at the London International Horse Show at ExCel next month (16-20 December). “It’s been a tough three or four months not riding,” he told H&H. “I had to work hard to get to this stage. Doctors originally told me it would be six months at least, but could be up to a year before I’d be back riding again.” It’s great to see you back, William.
3. The loss of a talented young dressage horse
Thoughts are with Hannah Biggs, who has had to have her super talented 2019 six-year-old national champion Freeman put down aged eight. “It seems something triggered an auto-immune response in his body that caused catastrophic inflammation,” explained Hannah. “We still don’t have a definitive answer, but although euthanasia was the most horrible thing, it was the right thing for him. It is devastating – I’ve lost my best friend, who was also my reason to get up in the mornings.”
You may also want to read…
Leading British Olympic contender ruled out after breaking ankle in fall
The rider will need an operation, and is likely to be out for three months
William Funnell on the horses who’ve made his career: ‘Things were stacking up against me – then Mondriaan came along’
William Funnell talks about Mondriaan, the horse who gave him three Hickstead Derby wins, and his breakout home-bred, Billy Congo
Safety and business fears over trailer test scrapping
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
