As winter relinquishes its grip, Tessa Waugh enjoys a copybook meet, with convivial chat, springy turf and good sport – while the real hunting aficionados demonstrate their teleporting skills

ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND

Vets, doctors and volunteers all play a part in helping point-to-points run safely. Euan Laidlaw MRCVS outlines how they do so

With 36 years in hunt service behind him, Robert McCarthy is one of the country’s most senior and most respected huntsmen. He talks to Tessa Waugh about Crufts, the current situation and life in Northumberland

Oliver Townend’s superstar ride Ballaghmor Class retires sound and fit aged 19 after a stellar career

The relentlessly positive spirit of the VWH hounds and their huntsman is infectious during a good day’s sport