There’s a last-minute change of huntsman for the Bedale opening meet, and hounds do their very best in less-than-ideal conditions

FITZWILLIAM (MILTON) 5 November Edited by Catherine Austen ...

The smell of mud and hot horses in a freezing downpour elevates the spirits, while the eventual toe-thawing in the shower is a cause for jubilation, finds an undaunted Tessa Waugh

A trailer-coupling mishap and a wild goose chase searching for lost keys confirm Tessa Waugh’s concerns that she’s suffering from the brain fog that sometimes affects women of a certain age

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

While Tessa Waugh can never predict whether she’ll turn into a misanthrope or hostess with the mostest at her home meet, the day is a roaring success – with sausage rolls, sunshine and smiles