A Potted History

DJ Murphy (Publishers) Ltd was originally set up in 1949 by David J Murphy, who started the business because he saw a gap in the market for a riding magazine aimed at the young horse enthusiast. He began by publishing PONY Magazine, and for many years it was the only magazine dedicated to this audience. Since then, literally thousands of pony-mad teenagers have grown up with PONY and as adults have fond memories of the title. Today it continues to inspire each new generation and is the UK's number one equestrian teen magazine.

David Murphy added Showjumping to his stable of equestrian titles in 1950, but quickly changed the name to Light Horse so that it could widen its appeal. Light Horse became Horse&Rider in 1981 and has since become one of the UK's leading equestrian magazines for riders and horse owners.

The company remained a family run business, being run by one of David Murphy's daughters, Marion O'Sullivan and then by her daughter, Kate Austin, until January 2006 when it became a wholly owned subsidiary of Signature Publishing. Today, the ethos of the company remains the same — to provide readers with advice from leading experts in riding and horse care, in a lively, informative and entertaining way, and especially to promote horse welfare and humane horse care management techniques.

An Active Player in the Horse World

Apart from publishing equestrian magazines, books and websites, DJ Murphy plays an active part in the equestrian world. As sponsors of The World of the Horse — an extensive tented shopping village — it showcases many innovative equestrian products and services to the public, at the UK's leading equestrian sporting events, including Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials.

DJ Murphy supports the equestrian industry with sponsorship and expert advice. The company runs free seminars for equestrian companies on essential marketing topics such as Effective Advertising and Effective PR, bringing leading industry experts from these fields to present the latest information on new marketing methods and trends. DJM is also a key sponsor of the British Equestrian Trade Association's annual trade show, BETA. The publisher's key brands, Horse&Rider and PONY, are joint sponsors of the Fashion Show at BETA, which presents the latest fashion trends for horsy people.

As a company dedicated to the welfare of all equines, DJ Murphy regularly supports equine charities, either financially and/or with publicity in its equestrian titles. Beneficiaries include the International League for the Protection of Horses, Riding for the Disabled Association, The Brooke, HAPPA, Redwings, The Donkey Sanctuary, The Blue Cross, Gambia horse and Donkey Trust, Bransby Home of rest for horses, amongst others.

Grass roots riders make up the core readership of PONY and Horse&Rider Magazines, so DJ Murphy has an active policy to support locally organised equestrian events aimed at these riders. Show packs, containing a set of rosettes, prizes and offers, are provided for Riding Club and Pony Club event organisers.

DJ Murphy also Wins Awards!

• PONY won the 2006 PPA's Brand Development of the Year title for its successful launch into online magazine publishing, Subscription Magazine of the Year for Independent Publishers, and was Highly Commended in the Magazine of the Year Award.
• Kate Austin was named Publisher of the Year at the PPA Magazines 2004 Awards when she was MD of DJ Murphy.
• Horse&Rider won the Promotional Strategy at Retail category at the PPA MagSell 03 Awards.
• Horse&Rider — the UK's favourite equestrian monthly magazine is for everyone with a real passion for horses and riding. Features are written by acknowledged experts in riding.