The response of the vertical magnetoresistive head of Hunt1 is analyzed by a numerical relaxation technique which explicitly includes contributions of material anisotropy, demagnetization, exchange and bias fields. A graphical representation of the magnetization within the head reveals curling details near the edges of the magnetic films. Magnetoresistance vs. field curves show the gradual approach to saturation characteristic of real stripes. The resolving ability of the head is evaluated as a function of its magnetic properties, geometry and separation from the recording medium.