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

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

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

James Bowen earns redemption from one of the lowest days of his career, to triumph with a catch ride on a legend

Exceptionally athletic and a supreme trier, this sensitive character met his ideal match in Oliver Townend. Catherine Austen charts the career of one of the greatest partnerships in eventing history