What an event! The Defender Horse of the Year once again delivered unforgettable moments, remarkable achievements, and inspiring stories of grit, passion, and perseverance. This year's event will be remembered for many reasons, but above all, for the incredible bonds between horse and rider that captivated us all every day.

Our cover story celebrates Julie Davey's well-deserved Olympic Cup victory, a triumph years in the making. Julie's patience, dedication, and unbreakable bond with LT Holst Freda were key to this iconic win. Julie's resilience in balancing her competitive goals with her battle against multiple sclerosis makes her journey even more remarkable. 

We wholeheartedly celebrate Sophie Scott's extraordinary performance, as she clinched not one, not two, but an astounding three major titles with three different horses! Her unwavering focus and remarkable talent consistently illuminate the grand stage. It was truly a pleasure to reconnect with such an inspiring athlete.

We are also thrilled to feature Samantha Wells in this issue. At just 20 years old, Samantha has already built an impressive equestrian career while balancing full-time university studies. A dedicated dressage rider, Samantha's journey has been one of hard work. Most recently, she and her mare, Royal MH, swept the Riding Horse classes in the showing section at the Defender Horse of the Year Show.

From Fraser Tombleson family's dedication to breeding top-quality jumpers and taking out the Five-Year-Old title to Ashley Konig's rise with her trusty partner Vinnie, each interview reminds us that success isn't just about ribbons but the journey, the partnerships, and the community that supports us. Bindy Greenfield's inspiring path from humble beginnings to dressage success is another example of what can be achieved through patience and hard work. And Bronte Gray's heartfelt reflection on how horses have shaped her life, from overcoming self-doubt to achieving major titles.

The Bull/Bell story is one of true inspiration, seamlessly weaving together their passion for farming and equestrian excellence. Geordie Bull and Jo Bell have cultivated a remarkable lifestyle that harmonises their dedication to agriculture with the thrill of horse sports. Their children, Henry and Lottie, are not just participants but vibrant competitors, turning weekends at horse shows into unforgettable family celebrations. In every stride their horses take, you can feel the love and commitment that binds this family, showcasing the power of unity in their shared pursuits.

Katy Payne's journey is inspiring. Her love for horses began at age two with a pony party, and since then, horses have been her life. With dreams of competing internationally, her hard work and dedication will surely make her a name to remember in the future.

This issue also features some essential health articles for horse owners. We delve into pelvic problems in horses, particularly those involving the sacroiliac (SI) joint, which are often underdiagnosed despite their significant impact on performance and well-being. One common cause is Sacroiliac Disease (SID), which affects the SI joint and plays a crucial role in movement and biomechanics. We also explore the importance of a pre-purchase examination, which isn't a pass-fail test but a detailed evaluation of a horse's health and suitability for your goals. Lastly, we discuss recognising and treating common skin conditions in horses, from fungal infections to insect bites, and how early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes and prevent discomfort.

Here's to the moments that make all the hard work worthwhile, happy riding everyone!

Sheryll Davies - Publisher.