CATEGORIES

Disckoboy does the double

The grand prix produces an end-of-season test for the 21 contenders as Olli Fletcher dominates the top classes

Mike Felton

One of the country’s most experienced masters, Mike Felton is an integral part of the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale. Tessa Waugh meets him

Jessica Burke

How did a Galway maths teacher become the hottest new name on the international showjumping circuit? Jennifer Donald finds out

Christmas magic

Boxing Day may be hunting’s most visible day of the season, but there’s something magical about hunting on Christmas Eve – even if things don’t go to plan, says Frank Houghton Brown

Be kind to yourself

Tessa Waugh’s first post-lockdown meet is a tense affair on pent-up horses, and she resolves to revise her typically manic Christmas schedule to involve some genuine festive downtime

A gift horse...

Many children dream of unwrapping a pony at Christmas time – even if they’re in for a rocky ride. Eleanor Jones meets the lucky few whose wishes came true

Tamarillo

Known for his quirky attitude, this spooky part-bred Arab proved brilliantly athletic after a sticky start. Catherine Austen pays homage to this class act

‘A blur of galloping and jumping'

These characterful bloodhounds put on a fastpaced day for the enthusiastic field, with plenty of jumping and fun to be had by everyone

‘This was a Christmas miracle'

Carl Hester reflects on a very special national championships in tough times

Imperial Aura

The Cheltenham Festival winner is an “absolute gentleman” and a careful jumper who loves to show off, as his connections tell Hannah Lemieux

Enough

Owners are urged to act to help bring an end to fireworks’ devastation

Staying in the plate

It’s an honour to ride other people’s horses as hunting correspondent, says former H&H editor Michael Clayton, but definitely a risky business

Nicol gives a Winning performance

Carron Nicol leads over a tough grand prix course, while a daring turn pays off for a competitive Joe Trunkfield

Perfect Priscilla reigns supreme

Show animals of the future ensure they’re heading into the 2021 term with overall accolades to their names

Nativity play producer

Henrietta Fiddian-Green organises animals in a bonanza nativity play, which draws thousands to the Surrey Hills

Odin

This “unbelievable” horse could get out of any trouble, carrying huntsman Gary Boon safely through trappy country

Kirsty Aird

The Scottish show producer and showjumper on parting with perfectionism, the importance of quality feeding and her superstitious habit

‘A real people person'

With 17 years as secretary of the Beaufort, Nigel Maidment is a much-loved face on the hunting field. Catherine Austen chats to his connections

Hollie Doyle

The golden girl of racing talks to Martha Terry about smashing records and dead-lifting 125kg, her partner in crime and enjoying anonymity offthe track

Friend or foe?

It worked for our horses’ wild ancestors, but is it wise to co-graze equines and livestock today? Peter Green MRCVS discusses the pros and cons

A tale of two Christmases

H&H’s inaugural Christmas shortstory competition produced a feast of wintry tales for the judges, from the poignant to the ghostly to the downright funny. Here are our two winners

Sonnar Murray-Brown

The international dressage rider tells Polly Bryan how he has rebuilt his career following catastrophic injury

Totilas

The black stallion and his phenomenal scores lit up the dressage world. Alice Collins tracks his path to fame and the story behind his high-profile sale

Livanos leads the way

A young rider recovers from a rare condition to take grand prix victory, while international prospects excel

Mad Max

Powerful but “a pussycat around the hounds”, this “reformed character” thrives on being one of the pack

Groundhog day

Tessa Waugh is feeling “flat” – albeit thankful to be fed, watered, and sheltered – and will be glad to see the back of 2020. On the upside, rose hips abound, life is busy – and there’s a shiny new fence

A top-class pack of hounds

The hard-working Bicester with Whaddon Chase team enjoy great support, and are proof of how a hunt can operate successfully in an increasingly busy country

Howley holds the lead

Irishman Richard Howley claims grand prix honours in the competitive 1.45m finale, while an 11-year-old stallion steps up for Anna Power

Daisy Berkeley

The Olympic medallist on appreciating every moment with the horses and people you love, and the importance of feeding the best you can afford

Adapting to survive - and thrive

Kennel-sharing arrangements are becoming increasingly popular, and are a good way boost both packs’ coffers, discovers Rebecca Jordan