The Scottish Farmer

Profile: Tom Best

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Latest articles from Tom Best

Showjumping is clearly one of the star events at the Royal Highland and enthusiasts are hoping that at least 'soemthing' goes ahead next summer

It will be show time ... but not as we know it

Between Brexit, ongoing Covid-19, the US presidential election and the prospect of a non-event Christmas, I'm not sure how many more depressing subjects we can consume as a nation.

Ayr Empress driven by Hugh O'Neil jnr winning at York Harness Raceway in September, 2020, in a new lifetime best time of 1m 58.5s

O'Neils excel at horse racing – but of a different kind

It’s always great to engage in discussion with someone passionate about horses, so it was all the more interesting to catch up with Hugh O’Neil a couple of weeks ago when he dropped off some gates at Waxwing.
A bright spot amongst the Covid-19 gloom - one of the Waxwing foals born this year

Facing up to an equine industry in lockdown

By Tom Best

How the sale of Prince of Wales was viewed in a periodical of the time, in 1884

As some doors close ... others open!

In a week when one of Britain's leading livestock auctioneers, Brightwells, closed the door on its equine department, the industry can only hope that another will open during the coming year.

Native pony rider, Alison Grainger, from Aberfoyle, is captured aboard the most famous Dutch Warmblood of recent times, Valegro by the legendary KWPN sire Negro, during a visit to Carl Hestor's dressage yard in Gloucestershire

Breeding from the best ... and hoping for the best!

As we move towards the breeding season, there is an onus on breeders to produce something as good as what they’ve got and preferably better.

There was a 'lifetime achievement award' for Jasper, a 25-year-old stallion Pic: KFPS Hengstenkeuring 2020 © DigiShots

Friesian stallion parade – the first ‘nugget’ of 2020

Having lost faith in New Year resolutions, I’ve decided to let 2020 take it’s own course with a ‘let’s see what happens’ approach this time.

Neil Wray's with his Steven Dent Harness Horse and Pony of the Year, the hackney stallion, Plains Royalty (Pic: 1st Class Images

Some unforgettable highlights from HOYS

Few individuals are able to unite the various interests of the equestrian world, but one man did just that at this year’s Horse of the Year Show – his name? Lorenzo.

It is imperative that feeding rations are examined as the season changes and there is less work happening

Feeding the ultimate all rounder – The Riding Club Horse/Pony Club Pony

By Vicki Glasgow
A superb Highland pony, appropriately mounted - no questions of welfare issues here

Some weighty issues facing horse owners

As sad as it may seem, I have just read through my January wish list – as published in this newspaper – only to find out that none of the wishes I made have come to pass so far.
A quality line-up at this week's Highland pony breed show

Time to bring about change regarding ‘over-fat’ ponies

A DAY out at the Highland pony breed show, at Strathallan, was just the tonic I needed following three weeks when stress levels seemed to be at an all-time high.