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

Young stars deliver the goods and home-breds delight their connections

H&H’s hunting editor Catherine Austen ponders the lasting impressions that influential hunting people can make on us

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

Jake Saywell tops an A-list grand prix field and a striking appaloosa hits flying form with her new rider