A Christmas shopping trip turns into a chance to catch up on pony gossip for Tessa Waugh , who is on the back foot as far as present buying is concerned but replete with tales of happy new homes

Going hunting without your own hunter is an increasingly popular choice for a range of reasons, finds Lucy Higginson

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THERE’S been a complaint,” Mr Busby says when, only two days into my new job, he calls me into his office. I’m still in my ill-fitting Santa outfit and my fake beard has brought my face out in an itch

Julia, do hurry up! You don’t want to be late on your first day.” It’s Mum calling up from the hall. The face staring back at me from the mirror is tense and pale and even under all that makeup the fr

● A couple of miles inland from the ...