CATEGORIES

Standing start

In some cases, keeping a horse on his feet for surgery is safer and more effective than general anaesthesia. Patrick Pollock FRCVS outlines what’s involved

Milnes makes it a double

A 21-year-old stallion who refuses to be retired spearheads Charlotte Milnes’ successful event

Kitty King is crème de la crème

Consistent Kitty King scores with a brace of wins over a track that earns coursedesigner Nigel Taylor praise, and lockdown training pays dividends with low scores in abundance

Ann Moore

The enigmatic young showjumper who stole the hearts of a nation by winning silver at the 1972 Munich Olympics turns 70 this week.Ann Moore discusses her brilliant but brief career with Lucy Higginson

Andrew Balding

This year’s 2000 Guineas-winning trainer talks to Catherine Austen about his long-awaited second Classic victory, training for The Queen and the team effort behind his Kingsclere operation

A vital relationship

A huntsman and a field master must work closely together and communicate effectively and frequently, says Kimblewick master and huntsman Andrew Sallis

The big move

Events this year have persuaded more people than ever that relocating to the countryside is for them. Liz Shankland looks at the implications for the rural property market — and the expectations of potential buyers

Sale of the century?

The ring is king, as the saying goes, but Covid-19 has forced livestock auctions to go online and this could mark a permanent — and welcome for some — change to the way we buy and sell animals. Charlotte Cooper reports

Home sweet home

As the nights start to draw in, the time is right to consider where and how to house animals on the holding for the cold and wet winter months ahead. Stephanie Bateman looks at the options

Toasting Old Speckled Hens

In his series on birds that breed true, Grant Brereton takes a look at the distinctive ‘paint-splattered’, tricoloured plumage varieties that also boast a royal connection

Why not join the fold?

Poultry-keeping is going full circle as the many benefits of traditional methods, such as ‘folding’ poultry on grassland and in stubble fields after harvest, are once again appreciated, says Jeremy Hobson

‘Without fail Broody Hen purloined her extras until we had a brainwave and gave her back two rubber eggs'

There is a summer of discontent in diarist Julian Hammer’s hen house as Broody Hen causes upset when ‘pinching’ others’ newly-laid eggs while also falling out with the ‘babysitter’

Grab an eight-pack

Grab an eight-pack Small, rectangular hay bales still have their place today, as do the labour saving devices used to bring them in from the field, says Kevin Alviti

Food for thought

Poultry eat a surprising quantity of food, so why not grow some of your own, suggests Andy Cawthray

Bee(ing) natural

Natural beekeeping is gradually becoming more accepted and popular within UK beekeeping circles. In the first of a new series, Nicola Bradbear, director of charity Bees For Development, explains what the bee-focussed term really means

We are the champions

The path to the peak of riding clubs competition is paved with camaraderie, team spirit and supportive friendships. Emily Bevan meets five of last year’s champions

Quadrille impresario

Clare Chapman on masterminding a daring reveal for last year’s quadrille champions’ costumes, and her patient equine mannequin

King conquers the Castle

Emily King rules with a new ride from the French-bred Biats family that produced five-star winner Oslo, as the cream of the eventing world gather in Cheshire

Princess Anne

As the Princess Royal turns 70 this weekend, Madeleine Silver charts an equestrian career that threw eventing into the spotlight as she became the first member of the royal family to compete at an Olympic Games

‘His biggest win yet'

Louise Saywell and PLS Halo Diamond are crowned national champions, while Billy horses are out in force and a young rider impresses in the under-21 final

Mr Bass

This eventing star recently returned to competition for the first time since an injury at Badminton last year. Pippa Roome finds out why he’s so special

Jasean Spraggett

The show rider, coach and course-builder is garnering a reputation as one of the most versatile and forward-thinking young people in showing. Alex Robinson meets last year’s HOYS lightweight hunter victor

Horseabout Zibu lights up the ring

The under-18 titles are hard fought with Tatiane Mauree preparing for an upcoming Nations Cup with a 148cm win, while Megan Li cleans up in the children-on-horses final

A matter of balance

Are boots or bandages better for leg protection? Professor Roger Smith FRCVS and Professor Michael Schramme weigh up the pros and cons

A Spectacular Misjudgement

Tessa Waugh underestimates trusty Rusty’s summer energy levels, as the 12.2hh scatters the hounds like skittles on his seasonal hound exercise debut in an inadequate snaffle

Jockey coach

Former Flat jockey Richard Perham on talent-spotting, and swimming a Derby runner alongside hippos in Kenya

Time to shape up

An overweight horse is a ticking time bomb for serious health issues. Kieran O’Brien MRCVS outlines a nine-point slimming plan

Katie Bailey

The upcoming grand prix rider tells Polly Bryan about riding Valegro while working for Carl Hester, and how she’s developed her own dressage career

Bob Champion

The story of Bob Champion and Aldaniti’s comeback from serious illness and injury is the stuff of legend – and a popular film. Lucy Higginson finds out how it all started and their continuing legacy

Pugs in prams

In a trip down south, Tessa Waugh finds her childhood village becoming increasingly unrecognisable, as “Cottage Core” influencers and “real coffee” infuse the neighbourhood with a trendier vibe