CATEGORIES

Healthy herds

While there are advantages and disadvantages to any horse’s lifestyle, most people accept that natural is best. Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS explains what we can learn from semi-feral herds

Nigel Hollings

Alex Robinson speaks to the outgoing BSHA chairman about his humble beginnings, his work with the societies and his thoughts on the future of showing

Sales reject proves her worth

A temperamental mare nobody wanted clocks up a second win, while a youngster bounces back from a virus

Shergar

He may be remembered for the tragedy surrounding his terrible death, but Julian Muscat points out that Shergar’s unsurpassed achievements on the track should not be forgotten

A final flourish

Plodding into a gentle retirement is anathema to some older horses, who continue to compete in the top echelons. Camilla Swift finds out how five veterans rose anew to the challenge of Tokyo

Heavy-horse specialist

Annie Rose runs Cumbrian Heavy Horses, providing riding and working to safeguard rare Suffolks and Clydesdales

Stellar schoolmasters

Taking on a hotshot schoolmaster is the opportunity of a lifetime for many, but it doesn’t come without its pressures, finds Andrea Oakes

Working together

Following any diagnosis, successful treatment relies on the horse’s owner as well as the vet. Karen Coumbe MRCVS examines findings from a recent study

The twilight years

Veterans have a wealth of experience, but there are health considerations to bear in mind. Becky Murray investigates the pros and cons of taking on an older horse

The bonds of community

The best-laid plans may have gone awry for Tessa Waugh and friends, but little deters this hardy bunch as they share the love of what they enjoy most, no matter what life throws at them

‘We must not rely on quick fixes'

Laura Tomlinson on staying mentally healthy via horses and FEI proposals

Falco proves Priceless

Rising equine stars are at the forefront in Pau, where Tim Price and Tom McEwen take the top placings on horses making their debut at the level

Amanda Owen

The Yorkshire Shepherdess tells Martha Terry how her passion for horses blossomed on an urban council estate, and about the day she bundled her newly purchased pony into the back of a Land Rover

Tom Firr

This 19th-century huntsman was a “consummate horseman” and played a considerable part in making the Quorn the most famous pack in the world

Agents of destruction

The autumn hunting season with its early mornings is H&H hunting editor Catherine Austen’s favourite time of year – even though the resident hound puppies are merrily causing chaos

An art or a science?

Is lameness more easily detected by the trained eye or technology? Thijs de Bont MRCVS discusses both

Dream drive for Dylan

Dylan Deutrom scores a hat-trick and more, while a home-bred secures a win to kick offthis highly-praised show

Bailey and Batten: huntsmen helping out in Kenya

Ludlow master and huntsman Henry Bailey and the United’s Nicko Batten made the most of last year’s truncated season, which provided a chance to see a very different sort of countryside

‘It's marvellous Mr Munnings!'

As recently published letters from Munnings to his second wife shine a light on the artist’s often demanding aristocratic subjects, Madeleine Silver discovers why his paintings still have the ultimate allure for horse lovers

Softie

The huge field master’s horse on whom Bill Andrewes believed he could “rule the world”

‘Life from life'

Artwork created from real-life subjects brings more depth than that created from photos alone, though it is not for the faint of heart. Martha Terry finds out why the extra effort is worth it to create sensational results

‘We should never leave the farm'

A trip out for lunch proves stressful as Tessa Waugh and family attempt to navigate the pick-up through the bustle of Edinburgh city centre, but peace is restored in the end

Arena troubleshooting

Arenas are a big investment, so it’s key to get it right first time. Stephanie Bateman asks the experts about how to tackle any snags

‘How dreams come true'

The Dutch display fighting spirit to win the Nations Cup Final, while Great Britain’s Challenge Cup victory is said to mark “the start of a change” in fortunes

‘Brave' gelding takes the lead

Stephen Heal and Quidam De Lux claim the closely fought seven-year-old championship, while an Australian rider has Olympic hopes for his three-star winner

‘He tries his heart out'

Lucy Stewart is on winning form, leading the way with Cancun II, while a 12-yearold stallion makes light work of the puissance wall

Wrap up warm

Winter doesn’t automatically call for a heavyweight rug, says Andrea Oakes. Besides the fluctuating weather, the horse’s body type, metabolism and condition should all influence which rug you choose

Hunting a new horse

The perfect hunter isn’t born, it’s made. Patience, preparation and persistence are crucial, as Abi Butcher is finding out

A new bond

Ex-racehorses tend to be cheap, athletic and trainable – but they are used to professional handling. Becky Murray discovers how some amateur riders have clicked with ex-racers in their new careers

Tokyo talking points

With the Games done and dusted, what did the travelling vets and farriers learn from their experience? Andrea Oakes reports