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

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

Sam Morris, 30, was excited for her birthday treat when tragedy struck

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

A horrific road accident left Matthew Guntrip’s life hanging in the balance, but he came out fighting

This adored hunter is “the safest horse on the planet”, but has plenty of spice and character too