Tag Archives: Horse & Country TV

Global Champions Tour, Phelps Media Group, Publications/Media, Show Jumping

Highlights from GCL Super Cup and LGCT Super Grand Prix on Horse & Country TV

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Ben Maher and Explosion W. Photo by LGCT/Stefano Grasso.

Prague, Czech Republic – Nov. 29, 2019 – Show jumping fans will be able to enjoy an exciting evening of thrilling sport Saturday as Horse & Country TV (H&C TV) will air highlights of both the Global Champions League (GCL) Super Cup and the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Super Grand Prix back-to-back on Saturday, Nov. 30, starting at 8 p.m. EST.

Hosted in the historic Czech capital Prague, also known as “the city of spires”, the awe-inspiring championship format saw top competition over four days in the O2 Arena with over 14,000 spectators. From dramatic entrances to dazzling pyrotechnic shows and top entertainment, the Global Champions Prague Playoffs was one of the year’s most thrilling equestrian events.

With a €6.4 million purse on the line, the GCL Super Cup was an intense battle for the top spot on the leaderboard. At the end of the four rounds of action, it was the Shanghai Swans who delivered stand-out performances to walk away with the lion’s share. The winning team was made up by Sweden’s Peder Fredricson on H&M Christian K, Germany’s Daniel Deusser on Jasmien vd Bisschop, and Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer on Cortney Cox. The full roster of the Shanghai Swans team included Shane Sweetnam, Kim Emmen, and Alexandra Thornton.

“The pressure was on and it was really exciting competition,” Fredricson said. “It was three riders on each team with no drop score – so much could happen. The best horses are here with the best riders, and it was two big courses. It was hard work but we’re finally in the spot we wanted. I didn’t believe it!”

Don’t miss the exciting action of the GCL Super Cup and find out how the other top teams including the Paris Panthers, Cannes Stars, Madrid in Motion, and Monaco Aces performed at the penultimate conclusion of the tour’s season.

Following the highlights from the GCL Super Cup and kicking off at 8:30 p.m. EST on Saturday will be the epic individual finale, the €1.25 million LGCT Super Grand Prix. The competitors earned an invitation to compete in the class in Prague if they won one of the grand prix events earlier in the series or they had the chance to qualify by placing second or third in grand prix events throughout the year. The pressure was on during the LGCT Super Grand Prix as 18 world-class combinations navigated two rounds of a challenging course with the results still up for grabs until the last rider cleared the final fence.

It was Great Britain’s Ben Maher who proved to be unstoppable once again with his talented stallion, Explosion W. The pair won the league’s overall championship last year after solidifying the win in the LGCT Grand Prix of Doha CSI5* and they have continued to dominate the series winning the overall 2019 LGCT championship for a second consecutive year after their stand out performance at the LGCT Grand Prix of New York CSI5* in September.

“[It was] amazing sport with top horses and riders in the world,” Maher said. “It is an amazing feeling to be able to win here with this horse and the people who are around me to make this possible. [He’s] magic. No words can explain him – what he has done over the past two years and how he has learned. He proved how good he is tonight.”

Joining Maher on the podium was Ireland’s Darragh Kenny on Balou du Reventon in second place while Martin Fuchs of Switzerland rode Clooney 51 into third.

If you missed any of the action from Prague or just want to relive the spectacular performances, join H&C TV to watch the exciting highlights!

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia, and in the United States on cable, satellite, and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Publications/Media

Olympic Superstar Valegro Stars in Exclusive Documentary on Horse & Country TV

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Wellington, Fla. – Sept. 19, 2019 – Featuring the dressage superstar Valegro on the screen for fans around the world to enjoy, Valegro: Sculpting the Legend is now available on demand only on Horse & Country TV. The exclusive documentary tells the heartwarming story of the citizens of Gloucestershire, England and their inspiration to honor Valegro with a bronze sculpture.

In November of 2017, Valegro’s hometown of Newent celebrated one of the world’s most famous horses with the launch of a project that would commemorate his brilliance for years to come. A half life-size bronze statue of Valegro was to be constructed to proudly stand in the center of the Gloucestershire market town, in celebration of the gelding’s achievements representing Great Britain.

The film highlights the creation of the half life-size bronze statue, designed and commissioned by world renowned equine sculptor, Georgie Welch, who was also tasked with producing 12 limited-edition bronze miniature models. Each of the smaller sculptures, which stands around 11 inches high, will be sold and one raffled in order to raise funds for the exciting masterpiece.

In partnership with Charlotte Dujardin, Valegro, who is owned by Carl Hester and Roly Luard, has accumulated three Olympic gold medals and hold multiple world records in all three divisions: the Grand Prix, the Grand Prix Freestyle, and the Grand Prix Special. Great Britain’s equestrian dream team of Dujardin and Valegro closed the competitive chapter of their partnership at a retirement ceremony held at the CDI-W London Olympia Horse Show in 2016, but the excitement of their performances is still talked about around the world.

Welch takes viewers through the various processes of making the miniature bronzes before sitting down with Hester, Dujardin, and the other people involved in the project for interviews, in addition to paying a visit to Valegro himself.

“Valegro was a horse of a lifetime – he is a complete legend,” his rider, Charlotte Dujardin, stated. “This lovely documentary gives a fascinating insight into the horse that had brought so much global awareness to the sport of dressage and has a place in my heart forever, as well as for many of you.”

To mark the start of the project, Valegro, Dujardin, and his groom, Alan Davies, made an appearance to the town center, meeting some of the locals who would enjoy the iconic structure for years to come.

Don’t miss out on this exclusive behind the scenes look at the process that has gone into Valegro’s sculpture, recognizing the dressage legend’s achievements. Head on over to Horse & Country TV to subscribe and watch the event’s highlight show to see their podium finishes.

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia, and in the United States on cable, satellite, and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Publications/Media

Horse & Country TV to Air Thrilling Highlights from Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

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Pippa Funnell (GBR) and MGH Grafton Street.

Lincolnshire, UK – Sept. 13, 2019 – As one of the world’s greatest 5* equestrian events, the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials draws the world’s leading event riders and enormous crowds of spectators to Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire for the annual four-day event. Claiming the coveted trophy for the second time in history was Britain’s Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street, emerging victorious by a mere 0.1 of a penalty. While the live action took place from Sept. 5 to 8, Horse & Country TV (H&C TV)’s highlight show featuring Funnell’s winning ride as well as the other top performances, including exciting finishes from the American contingency, will air on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m. EST.

Join H&C TV and watch the thrilling events transpire as British riders swept the competition in front of their home crowd. Never lacking excitement, the 2019 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials feature a down-to-the-wire final show jumping phase with a field of talented athletes and horses in hot pursuit of the winning title.

Sixteen years after her first win in the 2003 Burghley Horse Trials abroad Primmore’s Pride, Funnell made her return to the top, this time aboard Jonathan and Jane Clark’s MGH Grafton Street. Funnell and the 11-year-old gelding received an impressive dressage score of 22.8 to lead the standings going into the final show jumping phase. Although the pair lowered a rail at fence eight, their determination to remain in the lead was rewarded when they clinched the overall win with an impressive score of 30.8.

“It’s been such an amazing journey and hopefully it will continue, but it’s the horses that have kept me going,” said Funnell. “He’s not the best show jumper but I’ve always been convinced he had a big win in him – what an incredible two weeks with this and the Europeans.”

Hot on the heels of Funnell was Piggy French and Vanir Kamira, who won the 2019 Badminton Horse Trials in May, and Oliver Townend on Ballaghmor Class, who won the 2017 Burghley Horse Trials.

Eleven horse-and-athlete combinations represented the United States throughout the competition with Lauren Kieffer and Ariel Grald earning top 10 finishes. Don’t miss out on the exhilarating highlights of this premier equestrian event, airing on Horse & Country TV on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m. EST.

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia, and in the United States on cable, satellite, and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

Competitions, Show Jumping, Spruce Meadows

Don’t Miss 2019 Rolex Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows LIVE on Horse & Country TV

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London, U.K. – Sept. 6, 2019 – Horse & Country TV (H&C TV) is thrilled to bring live coverage of the Rolex Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows, which is a part of the 2019 Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, to show jumping fans in the U.S. The highly anticipated Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO5* is one of the most prestigious show jumping competitions in the world, running from Sept. 4 to 8.

Set in Calgary, Canada, the five-day tournament draws the biggest names in the sport to vie for the lion’s share of CA$4.1 million in prize money. H&C TV will broadcast the Rolex Grand Prix live on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1:45 p.m. EST, capturing all of the excitement of the world-class event as it unfolds. Be sure to join H&C TV by clicking here to be a part of the action.

Attracting the world’s most talented athletes to its various venues across the world, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the most challenging title to claim in show jumping sport, requiring three consecutive wins in the Rolex Grand Prix events between the four major tournaments at CHIO Aachen, Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, CHI Geneva, and the Dutch Masters. A €1 million bonus, in addition to the prize money at each show, makes the title one of the most sought after in the sport. To date, only one athlete has won the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Great Britain’s Scott Brash. Brash became the first and only athlete to win the title in 2015 after taking wins in Aachen, Spruce Meadows, and Geneva.

All eyes will be set on the United States’ Kent Farrington as he won the Rolex Grand Prix of CHIO Aachen in July, making him the live contender and giving him the potential to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping should he add this leg to his tally of wins. Up against the world’s best riders, Farrington will have to lay it all on the line to give himself a shot at becoming the second rider in history to claim the coveted title.

Don’t miss out on the ride of a lifetime as Farrington goes head-to-head with show jumping’s elite, including world No. 1 Steve Guerdat (SUI) and fellow U.S. athletes, Laura Kraut, Beezie Madden, McLain Ward, and Nicole Shahinian-Simpson.

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia, and in the United States on cable, satellite, and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

Competitions, Publications/Media, Show Jumping

Live Oak International and Dutch Masters Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* on Horse & Country TV

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Brian Moggre and MTM Vivre Le Reve.

Wellington, Fla. – March 15, 2019 – Horse & Country TV (H&C TV) is pleased to offer an exciting lineup of show jumping programs this weekend on its award-winning network as well as on demand. Starting on Saturday, March 16, at 9 p.m. EST, H&C TV will showcase highlights from the final leg in the East Coast division of the 2018/2019 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League at Live Oak International in Ocala, Florida.

In addition, on Sunday, March 17, at 10:25 a.m. EST, H&C TV will be live streaming the highly anticipated Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* from the Dutch Masters (Indoor Brabant Horse Show).

Fresh off his win earlier in the week in the $35,700 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier CSI3*-W, 17-year-old Brian Moggre of the United States proved that age is just a number by taking home an impressive win in the $100,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Ocala CSI3*-W on Sunday aboard Major Wager LLC’s MTM Vivre Le Reve.

“I had such low expectations because I did so well [on Friday in the qualifier],” said Moggre. “I thought it couldn’t really get better than that. It really did get better though.”

Moggre, who is in his first year of eligibility for World Cup qualifying points, and the 10-year-old Westphalian gelding bested 38 top-ranked show jumping combinations, and six in the jump-off, to claim the win with a double-clear effort in 41.29 seconds. At such a young age, Moggre has a very promising future in the sport, as he demonstrated with his consistent results at the 2019 Live Oak International.

Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* is part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – the toughest series in show jumping offering one of the biggest prizes in the sport with a €1 million bonus going to any athlete who can consecutively win three grand prix events at the Dutch Masters, Aachen, Spruce Meadows, and CHI Geneva. If that same athlete then wins a fourth major in succession, they win an additional €1 million bonus prize.

Great Britain’s Scott Brash is the only athlete in history to have achieved such a feat in 2015 riding Hello Sanctos.

Watch the Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* at the Dutch Masters LIVE on H&C TV on Sunday at 10:25 a.m. EST! If you miss the live broadcast, H&C TV will also be replaying the entire competition as-live on Wednesday, March 20, at 8 p.m. EST as well as a highlights show of the event on Friday, March 22, at 9 p.m. EST.

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia, and in the United States on cable, satellite, and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

Community/Charity, Publications/Media

Season Three of Omega Equine All Star Academy Now Underway on Horse & Country TV

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Photo: Courtesy of Horse & Country TV.

Wellington, Fla. – Dec. 9, 2018 – The third season of Horse & Country TV (H&C TV)’s popular reality television series, Omega Equine All Star Academy, sponsored by Omega Equine, is in full swing with the third episode premiering on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 9 p.m. EST.

Join H&C TV and watch the first two episodes in season three here before the third episode premieres on Sunday evening. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #OEASA and let us know what you think of this week’s show!

Filmed in Gloucestershire, U.K. at the Talland School of Equitation, the show, described as a cross between The Apprentice and Pony Club camp, stars eight new recruits and their horses with Pammy Hutton and her son Charlie acting as the contestants’ mentors and judges.

The finalists face a series of tough tasks in each episode under the watchful eyes of the judges. However, this isn’t just a riding competition. The judges are also looking for well-rounded stars who impress with their personality, media savvy, tenacity, and will to learn, as well as their skills in the saddle.

As always, the Omega Equine All Star Academy boasts a fantastic lineup of guest judges, with some of the leading names in the equestrian industry, including eventer Harry Meade, super groom Alan Davies, and top show jumper Geoff Billington.

Media skills are just as important as horsemanship in the Omega Equine All Star Academy as all of the contestants will go on to share video blogs of their life after the academy in The All Star Diaries on H&C TV.

Ultimately, the winner of this season’s Omega Equine All Star Academy will receive a generous one-year sponsorship and products from Omega Equine plus the chance to co-present an episode of Rudall’s Round-Up with Jenny Rudall on H&C TV. All eight finalists will also be given over £1,000 worth of equestrian products.

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia, and in the United States on cable, satellite, and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

Phelps Media Group, Publications/Media, World Equestrian Games

Horse & Country TV’s Coverage of World Equestrian Games Begins on Thursday

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Left to right: Patrice Delaveau (FRA), Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED) and Beezie Madden (USA) on the podium at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. Photo: Arnd Bronkhorst.

London, U.K. – Sept. 11, 2018 – As the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) officially kicks off, Horse & Country TV (H&C TV) is gearing up to bring exclusive, in-depth coverage of the prestigious championship straight to its viewers with its Daily Review and highlight shows.

Don’t miss a minute of the action! Cheer on your team and join H&C TV today to watch all of the competition from WEG here.

H&C TV will be showing daily one-hour recaps throughout the games in addition to coverage of all Olympic and non-Olympic events.

WEG is held every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle and is one of the biggest events on the equestrian calendar. It features a total of eight equestrian disciplines: show jumping, dressage, para-dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. It is the major global championship of 2018.

The 2018 games are being held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, North Carolina, Sept. 11-23.

With a new episode broadcasting each day throughout WEG, Daily Reviews will premiere at 1 p.m. EST and will replay at 5 p.m. EST and 8 p.m. EST each day they air. The first Daily Review will premiere on Thursday, Sept. 13.

In addition, viewers can watch highlights from each discipline at the following schedule (all times EST):

  • Team dressage: Thursday, Sept. 20, at 9:30 p.m.
  • Dressage Grand Prix Special: Friday, Sept. 21, at 9:30 p.m.
  • Endurance: Friday, Sept. 21, at 10:30 p.m.
  • Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle: Saturday, Sept. 22, at 9:30 p.m.
  • Reining: Saturday, Sept. 22, at 10:30 p.m.
  • Eventing: Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 8 p.m.
  • Team jumping: Saturday, Sept. 29, at 8 p.m.
  • Para-dressage: Monday, Oct. 1, at 8 p.m.
  • Vaulting: Monday, Oct. 1, at 8:30 p.m.
  • Driving: Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Individual jumping: Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 8 p.m.

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia and in the United States on cable, satellite and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

Phelps Media Group, Publications/Media, Show Jumping

Relive Nations Cup CSIO5* at CHIO Aachen on Horse & Country TV

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Photo: Courtesy of Horse & Country TV.

London, U.K. – July 24, 2018 – Following the exciting conclusion of the prestigious CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Germany on Sunday, Horse & Country TV (H&C TV) is proud to offer its U.S. audience the opportunity to relive all of the action in its exclusive coverage of the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup CSIO5* and the Rolex Grand Prix CSI5*, part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

H&C TV will broadcast highlights from the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup CSIO5* on Tuesday, July 24, at 8 p.m. EST and the Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* as-live on Wednesday, July 25, at 8 p.m. EST. Don’t miss one of the biggest show jumping events of the year! Join H&C TV to watch the coverage from Aachen here.

In addition to Tuesday and Wednesday’s broadcasts, a highlights show recapping the event will also air on Friday, July 27, at 8 p.m. EST.

World renowned athlete from Germany, Marcus Ehning, won Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* – his second Aachen grand prix title in 12 years.

Ehning is highly respected for his stylish, effortless riding and he didn’t disappoint. His partner Pret A Tout was also on top form, having led Germany to its third consecutive Nations Cup victory at Aachen earlier in the week on Thursday. Once again, the 15-year-old Selle Français gelding pulled off a perfect performance.

“First of all, I have to thank my horse,” said Ehning. “He has an incredibly good nature and knows his job! When he enters the ring and hears the crowd it gives him additional motivation.”

Ehning is now in the running for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The next leg will be held at Spruce Meadows in early September. Following Sunday’s victory, Ehning said he hadn’t planned on competing there but may have to take a second look at his competition schedule. After all, there is €1 million up for grabs!

Watch Ehning’s incredible display of horsemanship in H&C TV’s broadcasts of the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup CSIO5* and the Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* at CHIO Aachen on Tuesday and Wednesday!

Horse & Country TV
www.horseandcountrytv.us

Publications/Media, Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

Horse & Country TV’s Masterclass and Barn Talk Series Makes US Debut with Laura Kraut

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Photo courtesy of Horse & Country TV.

London, U.K. – July 6, 2018 – Following the success of their hit programs, Masterclass and Barn Talk (also known as Yard Talk) throughout Europe and Australia, Horse & Country TV (H&C TV) brought the popular shows stateside, starting with a training session featuring U.S. Olympic gold medalist Laura Kraut.

An international show jumper and Olympic champion, Kraut is passionate about training and her successful career has given her the knowledge and ability to produce horses and coach riders up to the highest level.

In her Masterclass USA episode, which first premiered in May, Kraut walks viewers through some of the training techniques she uses on her horses at home and with her students. Part one features a circle of four jumps.

“It appears to be a simple exercise, but it’s one that the more you do, the more difficult it becomes,” said Kraut. “It’s a great exercise to teach horses and riders control, and to teach rider position. It’s also a wonderful exercise for young horses as it teaches them steering.”

In addition, in her Barn Talk episode, Kraut speaks one-on-one with H&C TV for an exclusive insight into her equestrian success and accomplishments.

Kraut’s episodes, which are available now on demand, will be followed by a Masterclass USA and Barn Talk with fellow U.S. international show jumper Georgina Bloomberg, premiering on Tuesday, July 10, starting at 7:30 p.m. EST.

Available in the U.S. on Roku, mobile apps, and at horseandcountrytv.us, H&C TV is committed to bringing world-class live coverage of top equestrian sports from around the world to U.S. audiences as well as entertaining and insightful television programs featuring the sport’s most renowned athletes. Offering hundreds of shows focused on horses, equestrian sport, and the country lifestyle, ranging from training tips and advice to behind-the-scenes looks into the daily lives of elite athletes, H&C TV has something for every horse lover to enjoy.

Awards, Revolution Sports

Horse & Country TV Broadcasts Coverage of the Horse of the Year Show

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03 October 2014 – Horse & Country TV (on Sky 253 and on smartphone, tablet and laptop via horseandcountry.tv/everywhere) will broadcast three exclusive programmes from the iconic Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) for the first time ever in 2014.

First is a 90 minute programme featuring Showing highlights from two Working Hunter classes: the Cuddy Working Hunter of the Year and the Science Supplements Working Hunter Pony of the Year. This programme premieres on Tuesday 28th October at 7.00pm on H&C TV.

The second, to be shown on Wednesday 29th October at 7.00pm, is a 90 minute programme covering International Showjumping in the novel and popular Suregrow Five Fence Challenge class.

Finally, H&C TV will broadcast a half-hour programme on Wednesday 29th October at 8.30pm featuring The Showing Register Master Class given by rising star and WEG team silver Dressage medallist Michael Eilberg.

All programmes will be presented by Horse & Country TV’s Jenny Rudall and include exclusive interviews with riders from the competitions.

Jonathan Rippon, Head of Programming at Horse & Country TV, said: “We are thrilled to be providing coverage from this year’s Horse of the Year Show, one of the landmark events in the equestrian calendar. Given the large and passionate following for Showing, this discipline has been under-represented on TV and we’re delighted to bring this to H&C TV viewers along with some spectacular Showjumping from such a prestigious event. HOYS is rich in heritage and tradition, attracting huge numbers of spectators every year and is incredibly popular with our viewers who I know will delight in this coverage on H&C TV.”

For more information, please contact Georgie Wells at Revolution Sports + Entertainment – georgina@revolutionsports.co.uk or 0207 592 1207.

Horse & Country TV broadcasts in the UK and Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and can be found on the web at www.horseandcountry.tv, www.horseandcountrytv.nl, and www.horseandcountrytv.se. In the UK and Ireland H&C TV is also available “over the top” both online and via apps for smartphones and tablets through the H&C TV Everywhere service, horseandcountry.tv/everywhere. The Channel carries exclusive sports event coverage, news, documentary and personality-led programming to the passionate audience for horse sports and country living.

At the UK’s Broadcast Digital Awards H&C won “Best Specialist Channel” in 2011 and was shortlisted in three categories in 2014, Best Specialist Channel, Best Factual Channel and Best Website/App. Fellow contenders for Best Factual were BBC3, BBC4, Discovery and History. Online, H&C publishes blogs and commentary provided by a range of experts and personalities, an extensive range of equestrian video, a calendar of events, as well as programme support material for all of the Channel’s featured shows.

H&C’s role as a community hub for the horse and countryside loving community is reflected in the Channel’s 500,000+ viewers each month, 126,000+ Facebook fans and 35,000+ followers on Twitter.