Horse Hound – 12 February 2026

Summary

Harlow White's HOYS winner King Bunowen Castle Ali fronts Horse & Hound 12 February 2026 under the banner "Native glory," making the case that mountain and moorland breeds are the real stars. The same issue says farewell to Into The Blue, the working hunter turned grand prix dressage horse known as Dynamo, who jumped at Aachen's Nations Cup.

Sarah Jenkins' cover letter also congratulates Ros Canter on a second child and points to Trevor Breen's comeback from injury in the break feature at page 36. News carries a rescue licensing debate backed by nearly 110,000 petition signatures, with Defra's Angela Eagle promising a consultation, and British Eventing confirming that voice remains banned in eventing dressage for 2026. Kim Bailey writes the racing opinion column as his chaser Two For Gold retires at 13.

Regulars run from Carmen Edwards on showjumping to Tessa Waugh's hunting diary at page 66, with reports from Aintree, Hartpury, Newbury and the point-to-point at Higher. The vet clinic covers returning to sport after colic surgery, and features test mega trailers. Owners of native breeds and anyone planning a comeback get the most from this issue.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story

p.32 · Native advantage — What makes mountain and moorlands so popular
The cover feature asks why mountain and moorland breeds became the real stars, with Connemara King Bunowen Castle Ali on the front after his HOYS win for Harlow White. Hunting pages and native breeding notes sit around it. Check whether a native's hardiness suits your grazing before buying into the trend.

p.36 · Time off – game on — Taking a break from riding
Sarah Jenkins points readers to this feature on taking a break from riding, using Trevor Breen's return from injury last year as proof a pause can help. The piece sits between the native feature and the trailer round-up. Plan one full week out of the saddle and use it to fix your own fitness.

▸ Health

p.24 · Improving odds — Returning to sport after colic surgery
The cover-listed vet clinic piece covers what it takes to bring a horse back into work after colic surgery. It runs before the property pages and the native feature. Get your vet's written clearance before the first ridden session.

▸ News

p.4 · Charity welcomes government pledge to consult on rescue centres
MPs debated on 26 January a petition signed by nearly 110,000 people calling for licensing of rescue and rehoming centres, with Richard Holden arguing anyone can claim to run one without inspection. Defra minister Angela Eagle pointed to a consultation, and Kim Ayling of World Horse Welfare said licensing should improve welfare if enforced. Scotland licensed in 2021 and Wales consulted in 2024. Ask any rescue you support whether it is licensed or accredited.

p.5 · Eventing dressage: no voice allowed
British Eventing confirmed its 2026 rules do not allow voice as an aid in the dressage phase, holding back from British Dressage and British Riding Clubs, which now permit cautious use. BD chief executive Jason Brautigam commented on the split. Ride your test without voice aids in training so the habit never forms.

▸ People and Horses

p.18 · H&H Interview: Producer Simon Charlesworth
Producer Simon Charlesworth takes the cover interview, telling H&H how he fell back in love with showing; he is pictured with his wife Angharad. The interview sits between the opinion columns and the day-in-the-life piece. Take his showing preparation order into your own season plan.

p.16 · Racing — Kim Bailey
Kim Bailey writes the racing opinion column as his 13-year-old chaser Two For Gold retires after Cheltenham and Grand National runs, trained with Mat Nicholls. The column faces Carmen Edwards on showjumping. Check his view on the season's chases before the spring festivals.

▸ Regulars

p.66 · Goodnight — Tessa Waugh's hunting diary
Tessa Waugh closes the issue with her hunting diary, following reports from Aintree, Hartpury, Newbury and Higher point-to-point, and hunting pages on Brian Gupwell and the pantomime success. The classified ads follow on the back pages. Read her diary before booking a Saturday with hounds.

p.58 · The best is behind you — The latest mega trailers
The features section rounds up the latest mega trailers, running after the native and break features. Property and Kit pages on trailers and luxury homes sit nearby. Check your towing vehicle's limit before looking at the biggest models.

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Editor's Take

The native breeds cover is Horse & Hound 12 February 2026 at its best, because King Bunowen Castle Ali gives the argument a named winner rather than a mood. Kim Bailey's racing column and the Two For Gold retirement give the issue a second strong thread, and the rescue licensing news turns a 110,000-signature petition into something a reader can act on. Weakest is the colic surgery vet clinic, which the cover promises as a major comeback guide but delivers briefly, and the mega trailer feature reads like a dealer list. The hunting pages run long even for this title. Buy it if you own or want a native, or if you are coming back from time off; racing followers can browse.

Strengths
• Native cover names King Bunowen Castle Ali as proof
• Rescue licensing news turns a petition into action
• Kim Bailey's column carries a real retirement
• Break feature uses Breen's comeback honestly

Weaknesses
• Colic surgery clinic is shorter than the cover promises
• Mega trailer feature reads like a dealer list

Verdict: Recommended — strong for native owners and riders returning from injury.