A saboteur who assaulted three hunt supporters has been handed a 12-month community order and ordered to pay compensation to her victims.
Megan Thornbury, 36, of Newnam on Seven, Glos, was found guilty of three charges of assault by beating on 15 December.
Two of the victims were teenagers.
She was sentenced at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on Monday (4 January).
As well as the year-long order, which consists of 80 hours of unpaid work, Thornbury must also pay £50 compensation to each of her victims, a £60 victim surcharge and £200 court costs.
“I thought that she got off quite lightly,” one of the victims told H&H.
Thornbury worked as a nursery nurse prior to the incident.
The assault, that the victim described as “horrific at the time”, was filmed and the victim added she would “definitely” encourage hunts to use recording equipment.
“I think the way that [saboteurs] conduct themselves is not acceptable,” she said.
Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, described it as a “nasty attack” by someone who, as a nursery nurse, “should have known better”.
“However it is not a surprise,” he said.
“There are regular incidents of violence from hunt saboteurs on hunt staff and supporters going about their lawful business but these attacks often go unpunished because many ‘sabs’ wear balaclavas so they cannot be identified.
“We urge hunts to video all violent incidents at hunt meets and, as in this case, take that evidence to the police.”
The hunting field has always been seen as a great place to educate young horses, often teaching them to find their “fifth leg” that can help to get them out of sticky situations. It is also a great place for young riders to learn their stickability, make friends and enjoy hours in the saddle come rain or shine. We take a look at some of the more junior members of the field that attended meets over the festive period to show their support for hunting.
Tiny tots out hunting in pictures
At just 19 months old, Georgina-may Heatherington attended the Boxing Day meet of the Percy Hunt riding her pony Iggle Piggle. This was her first day mounted following hounds and will hopefully be the first of many
Eight-year-old Francesca enjoys a day out with hounds in Meopham over the holiday period. Francesca’s mother Stacie Matarazzo Deakin said: “They both had an amazing time and I’m not sure which one enjoyed it the most!”
The period between Christmas and New Year is typically a pretty busy time for the hunting community (weather and ground…
Thanks to James Hare photography for sending in this tiny tot seen out hunting with the Cheshire Draghunt on New Year’s Day
Miniature Shetland Jenson is the ride of Katie Turner’s 19-month-old son at their first ever meet with the Duke of Beaufort’s at Badminton
Lola Wood, aged five, riding her pony Scooby at their third Boxing Day meet with the Belvoir Hunt
Riding alongside their mother Jemma Mendoza, four-year-old Harry and five-year-old Sophia Elliott arrive at the meet of the York and Ainsty South to support their father David who is master and huntsman
Young Freddie Ford, son of joint-master James, enjoys a moment with his mother during a recent meet of the Clifton-on-Teme held at their home
Hunt supporter and clerk of the course at the Clifton-on-Teme point to point, Guy Higgins attends a recent meet with his very smartly turned out granddaughter
A young lady arrives smartly turned-out to the meet of the Atherstone in Market Bosworth on Boxing Day
I’m writing this on a Monday morning and I remember the sensation all too well: it’s exactly the same sense of despondency and nostalgic yearning I used to feel after a weekend’s clubbing in the late 80s. Only this time, it’s not an Acid House all-nighter I’m coming down from, but a day out with the “Chid and Lec”, better known as the Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray Hunt.
Gosh, what a fun meet. All I can think about is the instant friends I made that day.
When I arrived — as a guest of joint-master Robin Muir — I didn’t know any of them from Adam. But five hours of hard riding and gentle quaffing later, they felt like my dearest mates.
From the 90 or so who were at the meet to enjoy the lavishly generous whisky mac stirrup cups in front of FitzHall, home of Rupert and Louie Uloth, to the 20 knackered stalwarts who stuck it out to the end.
“No sex,” complained our field master, Paul just before our huntsman Adrian “Sage” Thompson blew for home. I thought this was hunt-speak for “not much action.” But it turned out I’d misheard him.
He’d said “No scent. They just can’t pick up the trails.” Which was a bit sad, really, because according to various informed sources who’d heard it from the great Nigel Peel MFH (who began his career with this hunt) we were hunting over some of the best scenting country anywhere in England.
Quite a bit of it was marsh. At times, it almost felt like being cavalry at Passchendaele. Everyone ended up so mud-spattered we looked like a herd of leopards. But despite the conditions and the lack of sport, we did seem to do an awful lot of insane galloping. This often involved some very slippery right angle turns on the edge of stubble fields that you’d never do if you weren’t hunting.
That’s why we all so love hunting, isn’t it? It’s a license to do naughty things.
With my trusty steed Sinbad
When it wasn’t marsh it was South Downs slopes and woodland. I find trees more terrifying than almost anything because you never quite know when it’s safe to look up. Also ditches. These were a first for me and I quickly developed a useful technique: pretend it’s not happening and leave your horse to get on with it. Worked every time.
Only one thing contrived to blemish an otherwise perfect day. Just when I thought I was getting the hang of this hunting malarkey I saw a photo of myself at the www.jsbeephotography.com website jumping one of the log obstacles that Rupert Uloth had thoughtfully laid out at the beginning to make up for the lack of jumping on the hunt proper. I can’t even begin to put in writing what I thought I looked like.
James
About my day
Who: The Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray Hunt (“Chid and Lec”)
Where: FitzHall, near Midhurst, West Sussex
On: Sinbad — bomb-proof, committed, happy wherever (although clearly prefers being up near the front), hugely experienced and trustworthy. But he didn’t care whether or not I bashed my leg against posts — and he bolshily rejected my proffered polo mint at the beginning. I love him but I think he might not be all there.
Country: South Downs (-ish): a mix of clay and sand; marsh and sloping woodland. No jumps apart from the ones where our trail took us at the beginning; trappy ditches.
Field: nearer London, so a less rustic, more cosmopolitan crowd than usual. Paul, the field master, is in the entertainment business, which is why the Chid and Lec masters got to feature in Downton Abbey; his partner Robin Muir works at Vogue; Rupert Uloth is deputy editor of Country Life; plus, corporate PRs, a captain of industry, a Mayfair estate agent, a hairdresser to the stars, a trauma nurse (every hunt has to have a nurse!) and a fine collection of enthusiastic children, including lots of Uloths, just starting the Christmas holidays.
Best bits: the speed; the cameraderie; the banter
Worst bits: looking like the fat kid whose mum has made him turn up to school in granny’s hand-knitted novelty Christmas sweater
Lessons learned: when I live my life over again, I must make sure to establish a career where I can afford to hunt three times a week rather than just once a month.
Always wondered what running a hunt kennels involves? Tessa Waugh spends the day with West Percy huntsman Giles Bennett to get a taste of his hard graft
West Percy Hunt H&H Feature "Day In The Life" 21/12/15
Giles Bennett - Huntsman with his Own Horse RAMBO ROB given to him by Mr Richardson an old master of the Holderness Hunt
Copyrighted Grossick Racing Photography
Contact John Grossick 07710461723
For most people who hunt, contact with hounds is limited to hunting days, puppy shows, a rare visit to the kennels and maybe some puppy walking. The feeding, washing down and exercise that goes on in the kennels every day, all year round, is invisible to the majority.
Bigger hunts have a number of staff to carry out these jobs but nowadays smaller packs often rely on just one person. The West Percy in North Northumberland is one such example.
Giles Bennett is in his first season as huntsman of the West Percy (and his first season as a huntsman), having moved up country from the Holderness, and he has 25 couple, mostly bitches, in his care.
What does Giles’ day entail?
Timetable: non-hunting day
6.30am — remove muck and wash down yards, check drains
7am — remove wet straw from lodges and fluff up beds
7.30am — (later in mid-winter due to lack of light) walk hounds out
8.30am — return to kennels and feed, supervise hounds in groups while they eat and wash down feed yard afterwards
9.15am — put hounds back in correct lodges
9.30am — breakfast
10am — scrub lodges and walls, add fresh bedding
Noon — any odd jobs around kennels
12.30pm — lunch
1.30pm — collect butcher’s waste from butcher in Alnwick or Longframlington, attend to jobs in the country, e.g. fencing, seeing keepers
3pm — sort butcher’s waste into containers, valeting (polishing boots and coat buttons)
3.30pm — remove muck and wash down yards
4pm — maintenance jobs in kennels and any other jobs, such as collecting haylage, emptying the muck trailer
Alice was wearing a hat camera and captured the fall in a video.
The accident was also caught on camera by photographer Viki Ross and several horses can be seen landing inches from Alice and Chocky.
Alice is now warning others to take care not over-crowd fences out hunting, to avoid a more serious accident in the future.
“David said there’s no line round here, just jump wherever you want, but people don’t, they just follow the leader,” Alice said.
“I know I had followed David, but I was right at the front. If you see a lot of people in front you do want to avoid them.
“It was a very big field that day — about 80 people were out,” she added.
Event rider Alice Dunsdon, joint-master of the Surrey Union and friend of Alice Pearson, stressed the importance of giving fellow riders enough room when jumping fences to avoid landing on a faller.
“I am forever telling my field to give each other more room and do not bunch.
“I know it is difficult as horses like to stick together. Sometimes we have two field masters out if you have more than 40 or 50 riders so that we can make sure riders are spreading out.”
If you love being part of the hunting community, aren't scared of long days and hard work, take pride in turning your horses out in tip top condition week in, week out and enjoy riding horses of all shapes and sizes, then maybe life as a hunt groom would be right up your street
“To become a hunt groom you need to have a real interest in the lifestyle and bring determination and enthusiasm to the role,” says Jane Copsey of Haddon Training, which offers apprenticeships to those wishing to work in kennels.
The most important point is to make sure you enter into hunt service with your eyes open.
“I wouldn’t suggest becoming a hunt groom to anyone unless they have done some work in kennels,” says Sue Tutcher, who is the Warwickshire Hunt’s stud groom.
“You need to be prepared for long days. You may be up at 3am for autumn hunting, but you still have to finish off the horses in the evening.”
Find out how to give yourself the edge in a hugely competitive job market
It’s worth contacting your local hunts to see whether you could help out in kennels.
“[Voluntary work] may lead to your perfect job in the future,” says Lucy Katan, executive director of the British Grooms Association (BGA).
Qualifications are not necessary in all hunt groom positions and each hunt will have different requirements.
“It’s far from nine to five and is hard work,” says Charles Carter, master and huntsman of the West Norfolk. “For this reason we find hands-on work experience outweighs college qualifications.”
Lucy adds: “My advice is to get qualifications under your belt, whatever they may be. But think outside the box and consider things like taking your HGV licence.”
But she warns: “Don’t believe you’ll get a job solely on qualifications. You must have practical experience, too.”
Hunting and riding experience will stand you in good stead.
“You need to be able to get on and ride most horses in most conditions,” says Sue Tutcher. “Many horses are the most fantastic hunters, but can be quirky at home.”
Sue also emphasises the importance of practical knowledge.
“It’s knowing when to call the vet and when to fix it yourself,” she says. “It’s the stud groom’s job to educate hunt grooms through the season if necessary.”
In terms of what to expect, every hunt is different. Talk to the employer and make sure you are comfortable with the set-up.
“You must be paid at least the national minimum wage,” adds Lucy. “You could expect to look after between four and six horses and it is not uncommon to work a six-day week.”
“You have to take pride in your work,” concludes Sue. “If the horses aren’t in tip-top shape, the hunt staff can’t do their job properly.”
While there is plenty of good hunting to be had all over the UK, property expert Carla Passino says that Leicestershire really is the crème de la crème when it comes to prime hunting country. Here, she explains why...
Why should the hunting community head to Leicestershire?
Modern hunting was born in Leicestershire, when Hugh Meynell began breeding hounds at the Quorn Hall estate. Today the local packs — the Quorn, Cottesmore (pictured), Fernie and Belvoir — are some of the best in the UK, with the hunting country nothing short of fantastic.
“Many parts of Leicestershire are designed for hunting with coverts planted at strategic points, jumpable hedges and post and rails throughout the most popular areas,” says Richard Clowes of Richard Clowes Property Search & Consultancy.
Who are the top riders you will struggle to kep up with hunting in Leicestershire?
Vere and Clea Phillipps, who live at Grange Farm in Rempstone, hunt with the Quorn and produce successful hunters, alongside showjumpers, event and National Hunt horses. While event riders Mark and Tanya Kyle are based at Queenholme Equestrian in Wymeswold, where they offer training and some livery services.
Where can you hone your jumping skills?
There’s a good choice of equestrian centres in the area — Witham Villa in Broughton Astley, Vale View in Old Dalby, Brooksby Equestrian Centre in Melton Mowbray and Markfield Equestrian Centre in Markfield.
Where can you be competitive off the hunting field?
Point-to-pointing is at Garthorpe, and across the county border at Dingley and Guilsborough in Northamptonshire, and Clifton-on-Dunsmore in Warwickshire.
The Fernie Hunt Supporters Association holds hunter trials at Illston-on-the-Hill in September, while a range of equestrian classes are available at the popular Blaston Show in Blaston, near Market Harborough.
What are the property prices like?
Richard Clowes explains: “About £150,000 for five acres with stables, at least £500,000 for a basic property with some land, over £1.25 million for a farmhouse with a few acres and some equestrian facilities.”
Don’t miss our property feature about Leicestershire in the current issue of Horse & Hound magazine (28 January 2016)
A family in Scotland has been fined after being found guilty of acting in a threatening or abusive way towards members of a hunt.
Colin and Beverly Milne and their daughter Amy Lilburn were found guilty after a week-long trial at Perth Sheriff Court that finished on Wednesday (27 January).
The family, from Toutie Street, Blairgowrie, showed video footage of the hunt, which was taking place on the Snaigow Estate, on 13 March 2015, to the police.
However, they were detained themselves for their behaviour.
The family had snoods pulled up and hats pulled down, covering their faces.
The family appeared in court last year (16 March), alleged to have followed and filmed people with the intention of disrupting a hunt. They were found guilty.
During last week’s sentencing Sheriff William Wood said that they had gone “overboard” and were “reckless”.
He added that any person would “suffer fear or alarm” and feel “threatened” by their conduct.
The saboteurs followed the hunt for between 10 and 12 miles.
Mr and Mrs Milne were fined £200 each, while Lilburn was admonished.
“We are pleased that the threatening behaviour of these sabs was recognised by the Scottish court,” a spokesman for the Countryside Alliance told H&H.
“We understand that not everyone agrees with hunting and they are entitled to their views, however there is no excuse for people to mask up and act in an intimidating manner, as this family did.
“It is ironic that they brought this conviction on themselves, rather than their behaviour having been reported to the police by the hunt.
“We urge hunts to video all incidents of violence and aggression. This sort of harassment would not be tolerated in any other sphere.”
With the Melton Hunt Ride now clearly on the horizon (7 February) the time has come for those who want to take part in the thrill of a ride across serious jumping country — or for those spectators who wish to get a glimpse of the action — to start putting dates in the diary.
As well as the chance to hunt afterwards, some events are run in conjuction with a hunt scurry, a gate-jumping competition or the option to ride the course behind a field master at less-than racing-pace.
Horse & Hound takes a look at some of the hunt rides that are already confirmed for the 2016 season.
1. Melton Hunt Ride
This takes place over a course of 3.5miles of open grassland between Freeby/Waltham on the Wolds and Stonesby in Leicestershire in the cream of the Belvoir Hunt country on Sunday, 7 February. For entries and further details visit www.melton-hunt-club.org.uk
2. Ossman’s Ride
Take part in the 2.5-mile Cheshire Hunt Ossman’s Ride at Haughton Hall or enter a relay team of three for the scurry over a shortened course of one mile that includes a port stop! Hunting will take place afterwards over some of the best of their hunt country (20 February). Stabling and B&B can be arranged too for those travelling longer distances. For all enquiries contact Charlie Barlow on 07802 560182 or charlieb@eximus.org.uk
3. Old Berkshire
The Old Berkshire is running both a hunt and a regimental race across a course of approximately 2-miles at Manor Farm, Little Coxwell (28 February). There is an alternative fun ride for those wanting to try the course following a field master. For further details contact Lucy Lewis on Lucy@hpa-polo.co.uk
Take a look at our pick of equestrian activities for adrenaline junkies — from side-saddle racing to riding across Mongolia
4. Wynnstay
Choose your own line over the Wynnstay’s two mile course being held over excellent hunting country at Manor Farm, Wychough (5 March). The course will be approximately 2 miles with over 20 hedges and fences mostly over old dairy farmland, where riders can choose their own line. The shortest route will involve tackling more substantial obstacles while the slightly easier alternatives will take longer to negotiate. Any competitor, non-subscriber, wishing to hunt after the ride, must book with the hunt secretaries Mr and Mrs A F Anson 01948 830611 before the day of the ride.
Riders must be aged 16 years or over. For entry forms email Shirley@bbsltd.co.uk
5. Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight Grand National and Hunt Scurry takes place at West Ashey Farm in Ryde, in which competitors complete two laps of the left-handed course (20 March). For further details visit www.iwfoxhounds.com
6. The East Sussex & Romney Marsh
The hunt Scurry takes place on Good Friday (25 March) at The Glebe, Burwash, East Sussex. Held over approximately two miles of hedges and timber across well-drained seasoned turf. There are some excellent prizes on offer including the Parker Challenge Cup for the fastest horse and rider to complete the course and a half subscription to the East Sussex & Romney Marsh Hunt for the first non-ESRM member home. There are also prizes for the first lady side-saddle rider home and the winning heavyweight. For further details visit www.esrmclub.co.uk
7. Harborough Ride (pictured)
Competitors in the Fisher German Harborough Ride will take on a grass course in the Saddington Vale, in the heart of the Fernie Hunt country (2 April). Run over approximately 3.5miles, prizes are awarded for each of the three divisions — heavyweight, middleweight and lightweight. An alternative fun ride, following a field master, will take place after the main ride, over a shortened course of approximately 2 miles. For further details please contact Mrs Kate Foster, kate.foster@fishergerman.co.uk
8. The Silver Spur
A new event for 2016, the organisers have created a course of approximately 2.5miles of undulating country across old turf in the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase country. With 21 hedges and three open ditches and a variety of different classes, this is sure to be a great addition to the hunt ride calendar. For further details contact Lucy Holland, 1lucyholland@gmail.com or 07810 503450
Navigator, who won Bramham in 2008 with William Fox-Pitt, is now enjoying a second career on the hunting field.
The 18-year-old gelding had been competed for the past three years by Sophie Beaty (pictured, below), granddaughter of one of Navigator’s owners, Catherine Joice.
Navigator has now been retired from competition and has been seen out with the Bicester and Whaddon Chase and the Pytchley.
“Navigator has given my mother incredible enjoyment — and heartache when injured — over the years,” Annabelle Beaty, Sophie’s mother, told H&H.
“It is great that he has retired sound and is very much enjoying another life — I am just hoping that by next season he might be sensible enough for me to hunt too.”
The former four-star eventer is still owned by William, alongside Catherine and Lynne Earle.
As well as his Bramham win, Navigator was runner up at Pau in 2010 and last year finished 18th in the CIC at Bramham with Sophie. Before coming to the UK he raced in Australia.
“He is the kind of horse that is your best friend when you are riding him but is a grumpy old man to look after on the ground, who at times won’t even be caught in the stable,” said Sophie.
How many people do you know who have taken a sudden interest in all things hunting because they’ve fallen for a member of hunt staff, a master or someone else on the hunting field? Maybe they want to impress them with their hunting knowledge or they could just want to let the person in question know that they exist.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we look at some of the tell-tale signs of what is known in hunting circles as scarlet fever…
1. Taking a sudden interest in hounds on a hunting day — perhaps by asking their names and enquiring about breeding — when previously the focus of the day may have been on hip flask contents or the number of fences jumped.
2. Practising their horn blowing techniques in order to impress at their hunt’s annual competition.
3. Offering to walk hound puppies even though they have never done it before and knowing it could wreak havoc on their garden — but at least it means the huntsman will pop round with hound food when they are running low.
4. Taking more consideration over their hunting attire and appearance, perhaps exchanging their usual crash hat for a traditional made-to-measure hunting cap. An increased level of make-up might also be evident.
5. Turning up at every known hunt fundraising event from skittles matches to hunt pantos. Volunteering to horse catch at point to points is a dead give away.
6. Becoming sudden friends with the stud groom and popping into the stables on the off chance of bumping into a member of hunt staff, while getting to know the names of all the hunt horses so they can casually be slipped into conversation.
7. Keeping an eye open so they are ready to dash — at the first opportunity — to open a gate for hunt staff or masters or to hold their horse if they have to get off.
8. Appearing out hunting at meets they’ve never been seen at before, even if miles from home and in terrible weather conditions, just to be able to ride alongside or near the desired person.
9. Suddenly hunting with a different pack — often at vast expense — in order to get the opportunity of hunting with, or alongside, the eye candy of choice.
10. Buying auction items such as “a day in the master’s/huntsman’s/whipper-in’s pocket” in order to get up close and personal.
11. Immediately offering their own horse to the master or a member of hunt staff if their horse loses a shoe or goes lame.
12. Begging, borrowing or stealing horses so they can hunt more days of the week than ever before and staying out with hounds to the end of the day when previously they’ve been home by 2.30pm.
Two riders are taking on a daring hunting challenge to raise funds for the Air Ambulance.
Georgie Wagstaffe and Sophie Cripps will be riding bareback with the Pytchley Hunt on 5 March armed with strong neck straps.
The pair plan to change horses at the same time as field-master Will Spencer and their second mounts will be wearing saddles.
“The Air Ambulance service is absolutely invaluable and we both felt we wanted to do something in aid of the fantastic work they do,” Sophie told H&H.
“We wanted to do something a bit different – so, why not go hunting bareback?
“We will both try our hardest to keep our horses between us and the ground throughout the morning. We might be having strong words with Will if he has not changed horses by 2pm.”
Sophie and Georgie will be riding their two “old-timers” — Apollo, a 14-year-old Irish sport horse and Henley, a 15-year-old Irish draught cross thoroughbred.
“Henley is a wonderful bold hunter who loves his job,” said Sophie. “Apollo is also a fantastic hunter who is incredibly bold, however, he does have his moments!”
Kate Flynn is pleasantly surprised when her daughter takes her new pony Munch hunting for the first time — he was calm but forward, jumped everything, and even better, stood when asked
What is it about hunting that can turn an otherwise docile, compliant pony into a deranged brake-free zone, losing all sense of self-preservation?
The thrill of the chase can prove to be as exciting for a pony as someone running in front of them with a bucket full of pony nuts, as witnessed when we decided to take our former loan pony Sweetie out for the morning with our local hunt.
How thrilled we were when she stood obediently at the meet, taking in the atmosphere and looking pretty in her plaits.
The next time we clapped eyes on her however, half an hour in, the same pony was a complete sweatball, with eyes on stalks cantering at full speed along the tarmac road, attempting to keep up with horses whose legs were longer than her entire height — head included.
She was completely oblivious to Daughter who was doing a great job of clinging on totally out of control as they headed towards a gigantic hedge!
Note to self, stronger bit required! After that little episode, Daughter was understandably reluctant to take Sweetie again, and indeed, we had parted with her before the next season came round.
A gaping hole on his CV
So, it was with a certain amount of trepidation that we decided to give Munch a go at the hunting game. We had tried him at most things by now and this was one activity that was still a gaping hole on his CV.
As previously reported, he had been in a near catatonic state at certain points over the summer, reluctant to set foot in a showjumping arena let alone jump the fences, and it was suggested that a spell at hunting might jazz him up a little. You know where this is going, don’t you?!
Well, let me tell you, you may be surprised! (I was!) My friend who had kindly offered to look after Daughter for the morning advised that it was a 6.30am meet, for autumn hunting.
Imagine our horror as we pulled into the farm drive at 6.30am to find the entire field pouring out at full trot, like beans coming out of a tin. Everyone was mounted, hounds were in full flow… and Munch was still in his dressing gown on the trailer! Brilliant start. (Suffice to say that I now ensure that I clarify the difference between meet and meet — i.e. the time we are meeting and the time the meet is leaving — two entirely different “meets”!)
Munch was hastily dragged out, his travelling gear whipped off and Daughter jacked up and on board all within a frenzied couple of minutes.
In no time, hounds were swarming and circling all around him… but remarkably Munch was unruffled.
Three hours later, the duo returned. I had attempted to follow on foot, but had been able to see very little, so it was with a gladdening of the heart that the grin on Daughter’s face told me all I needed to know about Munch’s first hunting performance. He was a star! He had been calm but forward going, jumped everything, stood when asked and demonstrated model hunting pony behaviour. Result!
Since that day, Munch has been out hunting several more times. Every time he has excelled himself, turned heads for his bravery and decorum and impressed us with his conduct. What’s more, away from the hunting field his vigour and enthusiasm has returned.
He is an entirely different pony to the disinterested, sluggish beast of the summer, as his results at recent arena events have proven. The question is, how to maintain that get-up-and-go when the hunting season has got-up-and gone?!
A temporary ban from trail hunting on National Trust property has been handed to a Somerset hunt.
The Minehead Harriers was suspended from its annual licence on 28 January following alleged breaches of the terms of the contract.
The 12,000 acre Holnicote Estate, which lies in Minehead Harriers hunt country, is owned by the National Trust.
A meeting between the hunt and the Trust took place on 11 February.
The National Trust has agreed to lift the suspension — potentially from 1 March — provided a mutually agreed “code of conduct” is written and made available to the hunt’s members and followers.
“A number of other requirements will also need to be met before we agree to lift the suspension,” a spokesman told H&H.
“These include, for example, the hunt improving communication with the Trust.”
He added if the suspension is lifted, the Trust will expect the hunt to comply with the existing licence terms, as well as the other measures it has requested, for the rest of the season.
A hunt spokesman said the meeting was “very productive” and the Minehead Harriers has promised to publish a code and to improve communication with the Trust.
“It was made clear by the National Trust that they were highly supportive of the lawful trail hunting that the Harriers engage in as part of the Trust’s mission to preserve the rural traditions of the South West,” he said.
“A fish stinks from the head down: well done. Now, master, do you take water with your whiskey?”
So began one of my most memorable rollockings. The retired general-cum-gentleman farmer was understandably incandescent that wire had been cut to gain access to a field, only a stone’s throw from a perfectly serviceable gate.
That it was his neighbouring farmer who had cut the wire in a moment of venatic enthusiasm was an inconsequential detail that I thought best not to mention, preferring to absorb his thunder in the hope of emerging relatively unscathed and maybe even having gained a little respect.
I will never forget the general’s wife, who kept popping her head round the door of the study, presumably to check that I hadn’t been consumed or simply withered away.
Nearly 20 years later I still consider it a master’s lot to impart the three simple, common courtesies: please, thank you and when necessary, sorry.
I have never held with taking a gift as a means of aiding reparation. However, we made an exception recently when my joint-master visited someone the day after hunting with a couple of bottles of wine hastily grabbed from his fridge. His initial introduction on the icy doorstep must have gone reasonably well as he was invited into the kitchen. It was only when he put the bottles down on the table that he realised one of the bottles was half drunk. After an anxious meeting of eyes this unexpected game-changing moment broke the ice and they could only laugh.
Following a startling encounter, my whipper-in advised that I take the same joint-master with me to patch over one particular situation, in part for my personal protection. But said joint-master’s ladies (ewes) needed attention, so I waded in alone.
I thought it was going well. The aggrieved’s wife made me a cup of tea and we partook in small talk on local matters while awaiting her husband’s arrival. “Milk and sugar?” she enquired as he burst into the kitchen.
Before I had time to answer, out shot the reply: “What are you doing making him tea? Throw it away.”
Another game-changer. We parted on much better terms thankfully, although I never did get that cup of tea.
Outstanding training opportunity
The Hunting Office developed the Hunt Staff Bursary Scheme to formalise the training of young members of hunt staff. Haddon Training, graded “outstanding” by Ofsted, was brought in to provide the educational expertise and training format for the level two diploma in animal care, which provides the basis of a fulfilling career in hunting.
There have been many success stories, such as Joe Tesseyman, who hunts the Essex and Suffolk three days a week, and Elliot Stokes, first whipper-in at the Quorn.
The Hunting Office offers participating hunts a grant to supplement the apprentice’s wage. While several smaller hunts have provided excellent training it is hoped that a greater number of larger packs will join their ranks in coming years to broaden the choice of working environment. Next season’s cohort are being assessed at present, however any hunts or potential candidates wishing to join next year’s scheme can apply to the Hunting Office.
Joint-master of the Cottesmore, Gems McCormick, died after her horse landed on her an inquest has heard.
The 44-year-old died after a fall out hunting on 4 November. She suffered serious head injuries.
Ms McCormick was hunting with the Fitzwilliam (Milton) Hunt when the accident happened.
She was taken to Addenbrookes hospital, where she died two days later.
The inquest at Huntingdon registry office this week (16 February) recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Senior coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough David Heming said: “Gemma died on 6 November 2015, at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge from a traumatic brain injury caused when she was riding a horse in a Fitzwilliam Hunt meeting at Milton Park on the 4 November 2015. Having jumped a rail she then slid off on landing and the horse then rolled over her.”
The coroners office highlighted the “dangers of wearing decorative, cork riding hats”.
“It is one of these types of hat that we believe Gemma was wearing at the time,” a spokesman told H&H.
A spokesman for the Countryside Alliance told H&H: “Adults who go hunting are, of course, entitled to make their own decision as to their headwear, however the evidence is indisputable that if you are wearing an up-to-spec safety helmet you are much more likely to survive a fall that involves a blow to the head.”
After the accident tributes poured in for the rider.
“Gemma was a tremendous supporter of hunting and her death was a real blow to hunting community in Leicestershire and beyond,” said Tim Bonner of the Countryside Alliance.
Gems was a supporter of Team GBR international showjumper Holly Gillott, owning Elore and having an involvement with Holly’s former top horse Dougie Douglas.
“She gave me a real leg up,” Holly told H&H at the time.
“I wouldn’t have done all I have in the sport without her. She didn’t have much interest in showjumping but she must have seen something in me to give it a go, and she really helped me. She was a great support to me.”
Photographer Nico Morgan told H&H Gems was “one of the most generous and helpful people I have ever known”.
“She was loving her hunting and it is fitting that she should pass doing what she loved most,” he added.
Who said hunting was boring? A break during a meet of the South Herefordshire Hunt gave these young followers a moment to capture this fun image. Picture courtesy of Alice Garfield
Hunts have been encouraging their younger members to come out and many have held specific children’s meets during half-term. We take a look at some of your images from around the country.
Traditional hunting cap maker Patey has merged with PROtector Helmets.
The company will continue to produce both lines of hat, as well as a velvet-covered Patey PROtector, a helmet that “combines the style and tradition of a Patey with the modern safety standards of a PROtector”.
Patey has been making hats for more than 300 years.
“Patey hats have always made men handsome and women beautiful because they are bespoke and sculpted to the shape of each individual’s unique head shape,” said chief executive James Bebbington.
“However, as a result of this handmade totally bespoke method, they can’t be tested for current safety regulations, and so can’t be used in some competitions. The merging of Patey’s classic velvet riding hat with the exceptional safety of the PROtector has to be a natural [step].”
The Patey PROtector helmets were first developed by Ian Beattie, who was then an official for head safety with British Eventing, at the request of Olympic gold-medal-winning showjumper Peter Charles. The helmet complies to safety standard SNELL E2001 technology.
“Peter had a bad fall and came to ask me if I could develop a safe helmet for him that would also be lightweight and comfortable,” said Mr Beattie, now of Parkgate Equestrian Ltd.
“After years of research and development, PROtector was born. We are two truly British and British-made brands, and this merger brings together two complementary riding hat and helmet making traditions to give our customers the best of both worlds.”
The design was applauded by the Countryside Alliance.
“Safety in the hunting field is of paramount importance. We welcome any new hats onto the market that will enhance the wellbeing of people who ride to hounds,” said a spokesman.
…before being carefully removed by a kind foot follower
The season’s not over yet, but a fair few of you have already marked your place in your hunt’s tumblers’ club for the 2015/2016 season.
Whether it’s being delivered a face full of mud, not quite navigating a hedge in the way that you’d envisaged or having a less-than-textbook landing, hunting certainly knows how to embarrass us. But what doesn’t break you…
(Aside from their bruised egos, none of the horses or riders in these pictures were seriously injured)
The names of those taking part in a national horn-blowing competition vying to win the prestigious Horse & Hound Cup have been revealed. The event will take place at the Dubarry Horn & Hound Ball at Cheltenham racecourse on 23 April.
Coming from all over the country to raise funds for the Hunt Staff Benefit Society, the contestants will be judged by former winners Robert McCarthy (Percy Hunt) and Gary Barber (Pembrokeshire Hunt).
The candidates include last year’s runner-up Tony Holdsworth (Duke of Beaufort’s), John Holliday (Belvoir), Will Hanson (Fernie), James Pearson (Cury), Martyn Arnold (Geligaer Farmers), Andrew Sallis MFH (East Sussex & Romney Marsh), Richard Tyacke MFH (Sir Watkin Williams Wynn’s), Nigel Bell MFH (Severn Vale Beagles), Jack Soames (Severn Vale Beagles) and James Warnett (Chilmark & Clifton Foot Beagles).
In addition to the hornblowing feature, the ball kicks off with a champagne reception courtesy of Pol Roger, followed by a delicious three-course dinner and dancing into the early hours to the popular band 29 Fingers. A bespoke money-can’t-buy silent auction containing some unique lots will take place throughout the evening.
Now in its third year, the Horn & Hound Ball has secured Dubarry as the title sponsor.
Sam Butler, in his first year as chairman of the ball committee and chairman of the Warwickshire Hunt, said: “It is wonderful to have Dubarry on board, and we are also very pleased to have continuing support from Lycetts and the Coniston Hotel.
“This is hunting’s big night out, where hunting people from all over Britain and Ireland come together to celebrate our sport, and it will be bigger and better than ever this year. We look forward to seeing as many representatives of different hunts as possible at Cheltenham on 23 April for a really special night.”
To secure your tickets for the ball, which cost £100, email HSBS2@mfha.co.uk or tel: 01285 653001
Navigator has now been retired from competition and has been seen out with the Bicester and Whaddon Chase and the Pytchley.
