John Gosden: 'I don’t care how many winners I’ve trained; it’s the quality you remember'
Jack Watkins talks to the champion racehorse trainer on quality over quantity and preserving Newmarket.
Dogs & Animals
From perfect pedigrees to loveable canine scamps of unknown origin, we celebrate man’s best friend. Looking for a new dog? Consider our rehoming series in association with the Dogs Trust.
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John Gosden racehorse trainer, Clarehaven Stables, Newmarket. Credit: Simon Buck/Country Life -
Stanley, owned by Clemmie Fraser, at home at Waverton in the Cotswolds. Picture published in the 08.05.2019 issue of CLF Credit: Sarah Farnsworth / Country Life Dachshunds: The undisputed kings of their castles, no matter the size (or species) of the other residents
Kate MacDougall gets the lowdown on dachshunds and discovers why their tiny stature doesn’t impinge on a ‘sausage’ dog’s zest for life.
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Credit: Getty Saving Ratty: The sad plight of Britain's water voles
The loss and damage of their habitats has led to the decline of water voles, beloved by Britains since the rise of Ratty in Kenneth Grahame's classic stories.
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A family affair: the Earl Of Snowdon, Princess Margaret, Lady Sarah Armstrong-jones, The Queen, Queen Mother, Prince Andrew And Prince Philip At The Badminton Horse Trials in April 1973. Credit: Tim Graham/Getty Images 70 years of the Badminton Horse Trials: From the pig-sticking champions to the miracle champion who took four decades to win
The world's most famous horse trials is seventy years old this year. Kate Green looks at some of the most remarkable moments in its history.
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Olivia Wilmot of Great Britain riding Cool Dancer clears the lake fence during the cross-country at the Badminton Horse Trials. Credit: Michael Steele/Getty Images Badminton 2019: The six best riders to follow, six best fences to watch and six best shopping stalls to visit
Badminton is one of the undisputed highlights of the year for anyone who loves horses – Kate Green shares her tips for anyone making it along to this wonderful event.
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Credit: Getty Military dogs: The non-judgmental companions who are capable of bravery far beyond the call of duty
Working in hostile and high-pressure environments across the globe, military working dogs build enviably strong relationships with their handlers, finds Madeleine Silver.
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Credit: Getty Images The common garden plants that are deadly to dogs and cats – and what to do if they eat one
Many beautiful and common plants in the average English garden can prove fatal to household pets. Peter Green, a veterinary surgeon, gives his advice on some of the most common things to look out for.
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Credit: Alamy Stock Photo Your child's first pony: A survival guide for parents
The request for a pony is dreaded by many parents, but, with the right help and the right animal, the process of your child’s learning to ride need not be painful.
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Credit: Alamy Dog-friendly London: Where to eat, shop and stay with your four-legged friend
Planning a trip to the capital, but don’t want to leave the most important member of the family at home? Emma Hughes pulls together the ultimate Country Life guide to dog-friendly London. Illustrations by Sholto Walker.
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Credit: Getty Looking back at the Grand National, decade by decade, as the world's greatest horse race turns 180
The first Grand National took place 180 years ago. Kate Green charts the decade-by-decade history of this much-loved race by focusing on the years ending in '9', beginning with the inaugural staging in 1839.
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Credit: Sarah Farnsworth/Country Life Fox-red labradors: Why red is the new black
From russet red to ever-so-slightly blushed, the fox-red is growing in popularity across the country sporting world. However, the gundog of the moment goes further back than you think, discovers Katy Birchall.
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Skye the Tibetan Terrier enjoying a run on Wimbledon Common Credit: Sarah Farnsworth / Country Life Tibetan terriers: Friend to the famous, lovably lively and perhaps the Kennel Club's best-kept secret
They have a starry following, but characterful Tibetan terriers are still a well-kept secret. Emma Hughes meets the best dog of which you’ve never heard. Photographs by Sarah Farnsworth.
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A wire fox terrier perched on top of a hay bale. Credit: Alamy Seven things you need to know if you're getting a wire fox terrier, from stealing food to undying loyalty
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Credit: Alamy Curious Questions: One for sorrow, two for joy – but why are we so superstitious about magpies?
Superstitions swirl around all manner of different birds, but never more so than with magpies. We take a look at why.
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Credit: Nick Ridley Photography Why we love our mongrels, by Jilly Cooper, Jeremy Irons and more owners who love their Heinz 57s
They might be the underdogs of the canine world, but true Heinz 57s–whether born by accident or design–will always hold a special place in our hearts, says Katy Birchall
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Credit: Alamy Stock Photo Curious Questions: Can a swan really break your arm?
We’ve all heard the famous old wives' tale – but is there any truth to it, or is it merely a ploy to keep small fingers away from snapping beaks? Alexandra Fraser finds out.
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The ten best dogs in literature
Man’s best friend has taken a starring role in stories since we first put pen to paper, playing nanny to the children, helping to solve mysteries and trotting down the Yellow Brick Road. Claire Jackson chooses 10 great canines from literature.
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Wind In The Willows Signpost Berkshire UK Credit: Alamy Stock Photo Kenneth Grahame and the true meaning behind The Wind in the Willows
The Edwardian author Kenneth Grahame’s adoration of Nature and landscape made him passionate about conservation and inspired him to create some of Britain's best-loved characters, says his biographer Matthew Dennison.
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Credit: Alamy Nine things you ought to know if you're having goose for Christmas
If you're looking for a change from turkey for Christmas dinner, goose is the obvious choice – but there are a few things to think about, as Kate Green explains.
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Credit: Equine Journeys: The British Horse World by Hossein Amirsadeghi Sporting Life: 10 majestic images that give a unique perspective on the immutable bond between Man and Horse
A new book sheds a wonderful light on the unique relationship that people have with their horses.
