EVERYDAY EQUESTRIANS
Life in the Saddle*
What do 5* horses actually do when they’re not in the ring?
Ahead of the Rolex Grand Prix in Rome, we caught up with British rider Adrian Whiteway to talk about life behind the scenes at the top level.
From representing Belgium on the world stage to speaking openly about horse welfare and competing at the 2026 World Cup Finals while pregnant, Alexa Fairchild reflects on the horses, partnerships, and values that continue to shape her career in elite dressage.
Diagnostic imaging has moved from the margins of equine practice to the centre of performance medicine. As Sweden’s first equine diagnostic imaging specialist, Ellen has built her career at the forefront of this shift. In this interview, she explains how imaging is transforming our understanding of injury, training load, and welfare in sport horses, and why the future of equestrian sport must evolve alongside advances in veterinary science.
International showjumper Joe Fernyhough shares his second go-to gymnastic jumping exercises, offering practical guidance on building straightness and confidence in horses from youngstock through to Grand Prix level. Designed for everyday schooling, these exercises help riders fine-tune technique while strengthening partnership and balance.
International showjumper Joe Fernyhough shares two of his go-to gymnastic jumping exercises, offering practical guidance on building suppleness and confidence in horses from youngstock through to Grand Prix level. Designed for everyday schooling, these exercises help riders fine-tune technique while strengthening partnership and balance.
Nathalie Wahlund did not grow up in an equestrian family. Instead, she built her own path into elite dressage through grit, curiosity and a deep love for the horse. In this intimate conversation, she reflects on mental strength, slow progress, true horsemanship and why partnership remains the real measure of success in the sport.
More from Inside the Arena
Kent Farrington converts his early lead into victory at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth, delivering a controlled final performance to secure the title.
Kent Farrington heads into the final day of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Final in Fort Worth with a clear advantage, but with cumulative scoring and a tightly grouped field, the outcome remains open.
Becky Moody and Jagerbomb convert their Grand Prix lead into victory at the Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup Final, delivering a freestyle that combined control with expression in front of a full crowd in Fort Worth.
Becky Moody and Jagerbomb lead the dressage standings after a controlled Grand Prix, while Kent Farrington and Toulayna take an early advantage in the jumping speed phase. With the Longines FEI World Cup™ Finals now underway in Fort Worth, early decisions are already shaping what remains possible across the week.
The 2026 FEI Sports Forum highlighted a sport evolving in structure, but still facing a gap in perception. From welfare and Olympic formats to communication strategy, the discussions revealed a clear need for stronger athlete-led storytelling and a more aligned approach to building trust with global audiences.