Horse & Hound celebrates 125th anniversary and reveals exclusive interview with HRH The Princess Royal

Horse & Hound – the world's only weekly equestrian title – celebrates its 125th birthday in 2009 and the occasion is being marked with a special 196-page commemorative issue

The title has landed an exclusive cover shoot and interview with British equestrian icon, HRH The Princess Royal in which she talks candidly about the role horses — and Horse & Hound — have played in her life.

“[Horse & Hound] provides a reference point for the different sports and to the wider community. Your present appeal on behalf of horsebox drivers is a case in point,” says The Princess.

The issue also looks back at the past 125 years of equestrian history, reveals the results of a reader poll into the most-loved equestrian ever and a real pull for readers is the competition page with a chance to win one of 125 fantastic prizes.

The issue – which is presented beautifully, perfect-bound with a gold masthead – coincides with a major sporting event in the equestrian calendar, the European Show Jumping and Dressage Championships, on which there will be an in-depth report.

Publishing director Simon Hare says: "125-years of continuous production is a fantastic achievement for any magazine but particularly for a weekly. Since its launch in 1884 priced twopence, Horse & Hound has remained dedicated to providing its readers with the very best equestrian content and we're sure the special 125th anniversary issue will be a true collectors' item."