CATEGORIES

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

Sophie Wells

Injury, Covid and a green newcomer – it’s been a rocky road for Paralympic star Sophie Wells. Gemma Redrup finds out how she’s turned her luck around

Ex-racehorse charity founder

Grace Muir is the founder of the charity HEROS, which rehomes ex-racehorses and provides training courses for children

Hidden BRITAIN

NICK BAKER Reveals a fascinating world of wildlife that we often overlook.

Scottish beavers on the rise

Eurasian beaver numbers are expanding fast, but not without conflict with farmers and landowners.

FADING queen

Far away in French Polynesia, a little songbird is clinging on to survival. Can the Fatu Hiva monarch beat the odds?

MIKE DILGER'S WILDLIFE WATCHING

ON THE MUDFLATS In his series of great places to watch wildlife in the UK, the star of BBC One’s The One Show points out the surprising joys to be taken from the muddiest of places, teeming with invertebrates and a refuge for waders and wildfowl.

Seabird chicks fall foul of giant centipedes

Petrels are among the unexpectedly varied diet of the very hungry arthropods.

The RIDDLE of the ROAN

Blighted by clumsy conservation could there now be signs of hope for Africa’s second largest antelopes?

LOST SOULS

In May, a minke whale got lost in the Thames, capturing the nation's interest. But why do whales swim up rivers? And how can they be helped?

Spotted among the trees

Capturing the perfect shot of a jaguar in the vast tropical forests of French Guiana proved a tough challenge for Emmanuel.

WILDMONTH

Golden leaves, delicate fungi and migrant wildfowl in all their finery – it’s time to embrace autumn.

‘I often learn from the riders'

Leading course-designer Graham Barclay on how the game has changed

Sabine Schut-Kery

The former exhibition rider and side-saddle princess reveals to Alice Collins how her debut Olympic success has hit her like a bolt out of the blue

‘This was Gemma's day'

Gemma Tattersall shows her pure showjumping experience in coaxing a clear from a tired Chilli Knight, as the placings are tweaked behind her

‘Riders hate it – but it's here to stay'

Mark Phillips on the frangible penalties given at Tokyo and Bicton

Pandemic highlights need to plan ahead to avoid laminitis

Clarity is needed on what owners can do for their laminitis-and obesity-prone horses in the event of future lockdowns

Riders speak out over frangible penalties

The automatic award of 11 penalties for breaking any frangible device is causing debate

Medal-hunting on familiar turf

Carl Hester discusses the Europeans and our inspiring Paralympic team

Longer turnout may mean a reduced risk of equine injury

A study found that horses who spent more time out were less likely to sustain soft-tissue damage