CATEGORIES

Boots

United joint-master Jonathan Lee’s “eye-catching” Irish Sport Horse, whose scopiness knows no bounds and whose ears are always pricked

2021 Europeans will run for two disciplines

Delight and disappointment as the FEI reconsiders and gives the nod to dressage and showjumping championships

Hunting Field Characters

From the statuesque secretary’s mount to the infallible hireling, there are some horses you meet no matter which pack you’re out with

VWH Ptarmigan 10

A Peterborough champion in 2012, the oldest hound in the VWH kennel is “invaluable” to the pack and his huntsman’s “most lovely friend”

Whitaker leads a strong British challenge

John Whitaker just misses out in a high-octane jump-off, while there’s a milestone for a popular gelding who has returned from a broken leg

Splendid victory for Smith

James Smith and the reliable Simply Splendid pick up grand prix honours, while a “sentimental” mare heads the 51-strong B&C qualifier

Para showjumper

Disability campaigner Evie Toombes on an accidental foray into grand prix and meeting Harry and Meghan

Time to dig deep

The lasting effect of Covid-19 on our favourite sport cannot be predicted, but history gives us much to feel positive about, says Andrew Sallis

Tealeaf

Former joint-master of the Ludlow David Palmer sings the praises of his “brilliant” confidence-giver

New ears

Catherine Austen gears up for the season aboard a mannerly new ride – even getting airborne – and hopes everyone plays ball when it comes to Covid-19 restrictions

Judy Bradwell

The Burghley winner on taking the time to establish a seat, avoiding horses being “jaded fi t” and giving youngsters a good foundation for longevity

Germany scores Sweet double

Oliver Townend leads the British effort with a silver for his sixyear-old, while German riders are dominant in both classes at the prestigious young horse World Championships

‘Courses must be correct level'

Andrew Nicholson on why course-designers must stick to the required level

No traditional Boxing Day meets to be held this year

Hunts are following strict protocols and do not want to encourage crowds

Emilie Chandler

The event rider tells Pippa Roome about juggling priorities in sport and business, the special horse who keeps her going and coaching the showjumpers

‘Sensitive' Hartacker beats big field

Izzy Taylor’s promising ride sets the record straight, as the jumping phases prove influential across all classes at “Thoresberton”

‘Racing on life-support'

Empty grandstands and frequent health checks are the new norm as the sport carries on behind closed doors, but Jennifer Donald discovers intense passion still fills the racecourse during this critical time

Persimmon

Boasting the unique feat of representing his country in Nations Cup teams across two disciplines, this former world-class eventer is now enjoying a second career as a showjumper. Jennifer Donald meets the diminutive character who likes to have the last laugh

Hellfire in the pony ranks

Never trust a pony’s sweet and fluffy exterior, remembers Tessa Waugh, as her peaceful post-hack cup of tea is disturbed by wild antics in the paddock and a diminutive culprit

Edward Young

The leading showman on the hobby that keeps him sane, his dislike for gadgets and life as a young producer in the golden age of equestrian sport

Milton

John Whitaker’s floating wonder horse was the first showjumper to win over £1m. But his scintillating results tell only half the story of this charismatic showman.

Coffee's at full strength

A striking part-Appaloosa catches the judge’s eye twice, while a 22-year-old Lusitano impresses in the advanced medium for Emma Pewter

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

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?