Happy (festive) hunting

H&H's hunting editor Catherine Austen shares a somewhat predictable remedy for all of your Christmas woes

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ALL I want for Christmas is... the horse I hunted today.

I think, much like some humans, some horses are just “good people”. They are honest, kind, adaptable and try to do their best in whatever circumstances they find themselves. Today's horse was just that.

What makes him particularly special is that he retired from racing in the summer, having won a great deal of money and 12 races, including a Grade One chase, and my friend the lady master has had him for only two months.

Bugsy has gone from the routine of a very successful racing yard to family life - the current menagerie encompasses sheep, dogs, chickens, ponies, half a dozen other horses and, I noticed today, two turkeys who have settled in far too well ever to make it onto the dining table - without, it appears, turning a hair.