A joyful celebration

With hunting under attack in the UK, how is the sport faring in Ireland? Octavia Pollock talks to the new chairman of the Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association, Pat Hayes, to find out

DEFENDER BRAMHAM 5–8 June

Tessa Waugh introduces her hunting husband to the “foreign” experience of an international horse trials, where a glamorous lunch party warms his initial froideur

Sharon Thomas on the appeal of local shows, an ill-timed back flip, the joyful chaos of entertaining children – and smuggled dogs

ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND

Four international sections host nearly 200 horses, with three British team riders and a rising star in the top spots