CATEGORIES

Rare macaw refuge destroyed

A rare bird sanctuary in Brazil, which is home to 15 per cent of the world’s population of Hyacinth and Lear’s Macaws, has been destroyed by fires, and there are now fears for the survival of these blue macaws. “It is very sad to see decades of my family’s work, years taking care and preserving nature, for this to happen,” said Ana Maria Barreto, owner of the São Francisco do Perigara, a cattle ranch and bird sanctuary of more than 61,000 acres in Mato Grosso state.

The value of animals

Children at a nursery and day care facility were delighted to receive a visit from some very special guests. Learning Land in Workington has a range of animals drop by, as part of an educational encounter paid for by the Co-op. The store has been working with animal specialists, Pet Encounter Cumbria, based in Workington, to deliver therapeutic and educational visits to children and the elderly.

Complete Psittacine Subtle Secrets for Feeding Psittacines – and Getting them to Eat

I have been daily feeding psittacines for 40 years now and there have been times in the past when I felt that was all I did each day – pets, breeders, babies, the birds at the shoppe in Santa Fe. The good news is this has taught me a whole lot about how to do it. And across all species groups, there are some really good guidelines for what to feed, when to feed, and how to make sure your parrots are actually consuming what you are giving them.

Calabash for parrots

Different types of calabash has grown this year very well within our organic crops and a big advantage for our parrots that are relishing every moment during this season.

Zoo breeding director

Mark Holden, head of the large hoofstock team at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, on the birth of a rare wild foal

Palatial pads

Beauty combines with practicality at the world’s most luxurious stable yards. Emily Bevan discovers the options – if you have a blank cheque

Talbot

Diana Ralph MFH’s show jumping bred “gentle giant” has endless scope and is happiest leading the field

The finest vintages

Age, wisdom and experience go hand-in-hand. Tessa Waugh tracks down some venerable old salts who are thriving in the twilight years, and giving their riders both confidence and plenty of fun times

Time to go

The toughest decision is often the kindest with an elderly or infirm horse. Kieran O'Brien MRCVS offers advice on making the hardest call

Sottsass secures the win

Full of drama before it even began, this year’s race goes to Sottsass, as Enable is left out of her comfort zone

Joining Civvy Street

Service horses work hard for their country, but what happens when it’s time to end the day job?

Big Ben is like clockwork

Teenage horses are better than ever, in-handers show promise and new partnerships gain more experience

Chris Burton

The Olympic eventer on his nervous time-wasting habit, keeping it simple in training and the magazine purchase that changed his life

Arkle

The story of this equine gladiator, deemed “immortal” by his supporters, knows no bounds. Julian Muscat investigates Arkle’s supremacy – the likes of which may never be seen again

Growing Old Disgracefully

Some say old age is a licence to misbehave. These former stars certainly think so, finds Andrea Oakes, who tracks down some who still get up to crazy antics

Go Wild In The Subantarctic Islands

Embark on a longer Antarctic cruise to the Falklands and South Georgia to spot an array of Antarctic animals…

Our Cute New Kittens Are A Delight'

Like many, Clare Balding has slowed down and reflected on how the simple things in life matter the most

Two British teams in 2021?

Carl Hester is excited about the idea of having two championships next year

Ready for the off

Is your hunter prepared for the rough and tumble of the months ahead? Lesley Barwise-Munro MRCVS offers advice on surviving the season

The rugging revolution

Horses’ winter wardrobes have undergone huge changes as technology has improved. Alex Robinson looks at the progress in rugging designs and materials

Retraining of Racehorses chief`

Di Arbuthnot on making racehorses fashionable and giving them a new life

Louise Saywell

The new national showjumping champion tells Sarah Radford about her “eat, sleep, repeat” routine and how she maintains her relentless focus despite the pandemic’s disruptions

On the home stretch

Thoroughbreds often have plenty to give when their racing days are over – as long as they’re in the right hands. Lucy Higginson finds out how trainers decide their charges’ next steps

Why do they do that?

Ex-racehorses are notorious for certain foibles, but what lies behind these behaviours and how can they be overcome? Stephanie Bateman finds out

Katie Jerram-Hunnable

The show horse producer on being colour-blind to rosettes, her go-round pet hates and the bridesmaid horse who stepped up beyond expectations

Anneli Drummond-Hay

The consummate horsewoman followed up a Badminton win with a stellar showjumping career, and was shortlisted for the Olympics in all three disciplines, writes Martha Terry

A glorious morning

There is particularly beautiful light for a morning’s trailhunting with the South Dorset

William Pittendrigh

The 21-year-old worker rider is not only top of the class in the show ring, but has the ambition and guts to impress in eventing and hunt rides, too, finds Alex Robinson

The greats of the beagling world

Frank Houghton Brown investigates the famous names of beagling

Monkeying Around fires a serious shot

Izzy Taylor scores in the highest level eventing class in Britain this year