And how times (and prices) have changed since…
Just four years after the end of the Second World War, 1949 was a transformative year for the equestrian industry.
It was then the first Badminton Horse Trials and inaugural Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) were held, kick-starting a golden era for the leisure, pleasure and sport horse.
1949 also saw the arrival of equestrian publisher DJ Murphy, the Surrey based business which this year marks its 75th anniversary.
When David John Murphy introduced PONY magazine for young equestrian enthusiasts, the first issue was printed in black-and-white, had 37 pages, and a cover price of one shilling (5p).
The following year, DJ Murphy launched another title, ShowJumping. Soon renamed Light Horse, by 1981 it had become Horse&Rider magazine.
Riding lessons for £2.10
In January 1964, PONY reported on a new miniature horse being bred in Argentina by rancher Julio Cesar Falabella.
Guinness, Moss Bros and P&O Cruises were some of the big-spend advertisers who featured in Light Horse.
In February 1972, an article included a riding school’s charges, a private lesson with the top instructor costing £2.10.
By the 1980s, showjumping superstars Nick Skelton and John Whitaker were taking the sport by storm. Advertisers included Lincoln, Charles Owen, Absorbine, Stylo Matchmakers, Caldene, Baileys, Carr & Day & Martin and Spillers.
The June 1980 issue of Light Horse reported on how a 24-year-old Mark Todd won Badminton.
Martini awards
The Martini awards, run by DJ Murphy and sponsored by the drinks brand, were an annual social highlight. Magazine readers voted for their favourite equestrian personalities with famous riders and celebrities appearing at glamorous awards presentations.
In the March 1994 issue of PONY, Pippa Funnell gave readers an insight into her 1993 win at Blenheim. John Whitaker starred in a photo-stories series with the legendary Milton and his children Louise and Robert.
In 2005, Carl Hester guest-edited the May issue of Horse&Rider, the dressage superstar visiting the magazine’s offices to fulfil his duties.
By 2010, PONY had launched a new look. Now costing £2.50, there was a horsey themed gift on every front cover.
