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

NATIONAL CHAMPION AND 1950s RACING PIONEER

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

Following her retirement, Helen Rowe, 70, from Benfleet, Essex, took some wise words to heart – with very positive results

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

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