Take a look at our pick of equestrian properties for sale in popular hunting country

1. Stonecroft House, Warwickshire

Hunt: Warwickshire
For you: a five-bedroom country house, situated in open countryside between Stratford-upon-Avon and Banbury. There are guest cottages, staff accommodation, an indoor swimming pool and gardens.
For the horses: a stable yard with nine stables, a tack room, an all-weather arena and further outbuildings. Set in 10.5 acres.
What’s the damage? £1.8m
Agent: Butler Sherborn
Telephone number: 01451 830731
Visit: www.butlersherborn.co.uk

2. The Manor House, Northumberland

Hunts: Morpeth and Tynedale
For you: a six-bedroom Victorian country house with a number of period features such as panelled doors and open fireplaces. There is a tennis court, sauna and views towards Haughton Castle.
For the horses: a timber stable block with three loose boxes, set in 2.8 acres.
What’s the damage? £1.25m
Agent: Finest Properties
Telephone number: 01434 622234
Visit: www.finestproperties.co.uk

3. Footsteps, Somerset

Hunt: Blackmore and Sparkford Vale
For you: a four-bedroom country house, plus a building plot with planning permission for the demolition of some of the existing stables to build a single-storey dwelling.
For the horses: a traditional quadrangle comprising 18 stone stables around an area of lawn, plus a further two stone stables with an adjoining feed store, a covered horse walker and planning permission for a sand school. Set in 5.65 acres.
What’s the damage? Offers over £870,000
Agent: Fox Grant
Telephone number: 01722 782727
Visit: www.foxgrant.com

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4. Broomhill Cottage, Essex

Hunt: East Essex
For you: a Grade II listed four-bedroom cottage with a number of period features and an attractive garden.
For the horses: four boxes, a hay barn, tractor shed and tack room. The land is laid out into three paddocks and there is a 20x40m arena. The yard has independent access from the road. Set in 7.5 acres.
What’s the damage? £895,000
Agent: Zoe Napier Country & Equestrian
Telephone number: 01621 840333
Visit: www.inthecountryside.com

Next week: Equestrian properties near racecourses

Ref: Horse & Hound; 17 November 2016

Simon Lawrance, MFH, four-star event rider and UKCC Level 3 coach shares his thoughts on how hunting can help your horse’s training.

1. Hunting is excellent for horses that have got sour in competition or training and need sweetening up.

2. It is great for strengthening — they are working for a long time without being asked to do very difficult things.

3. It makes them tougher and less “precious”, and able to cope with different types of ground and going.

4. It makes them braver and more forward-thinking.

5. It improves their ability to get themselves out of trouble and teaches them to find a “fifth leg”.

6. It is a fun way of getting horses fit, particularly warmbloods and those which are inclined to be stuffy.

7. It teaches them to gallop and improves one-paced horses by making them more competitive.

8. It accustoms them to being around other horses in potentially exciting environments.

9. Remember that it is not going to suit every horse, but most — not all — can settle to it in time.

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10. I recommend taking a young horse to some competitions before he goes hunting so that the rider can assess how he is likely to behave in public with other horses.

11. Hunting also has huge benefits for the rider. It is excellent for improving strength and fitness, and teaches them to deal with the unexpected. They learn to ride up and downhill, to cross a variety of terrains and how to conserve their horse’s energy. Anyone who rides would benefit from going hunting.

12. It allows both horse and rider to have fun and relax in each other’s company without pressure.

This article was first published in H&H’s Ask The Trainer (Summer 2014)

The sound, smell and adrenaline of your first day's hunting isn't something you forget in a hurry, whatever age you are. Take a look at these riders enjoying their first day out — and standby for flying pigtails and legs that don't go past the saddle flap...

What a difference a year makes, to misquote Dinah Washington, in this topsy-turvy world, where a swivel-eyed ex-city trader and crass billionaire can convince a majority that they speak for “the people”.

Closer to our sporting concerns, whoever could have thought that the wallowing in mud and floods out hunting of a year ago could be replaced by nervously cantering on rock-hard ground that jars and twists horses and hounds alike? For hounds hunting in arable countries it must have been like running barefoot on sandpaper; not to say that sport has been at all bad. Settled conditions, even if dry, are preferable to volatile, wet conditions that constantly swing the barometer.

Our farmers have been so supportive throughout the recent wet seasons and we have kept going despite the challenges. However, thus far this season, farmers are genuinely happy to see the hounds and their mounted followers, which makes clearing country easier. Our marsh farmers have even welcomed the recent rain, as it has helped to replenish the marsh ditches that divide their fields, still full of stock.

Hunting award needed

As a perk of these scribblings, Mrs Sallis and I attended the Horse & Hound Awards. I once had the privilege of riding a push-button grand prix dressage horse, which made me look as if I could actually ride classically. So I can appreciate, albeit from a layman’s stance, Valegro’s remarkable achievement. However, after he and his connections won their third award, notwithstanding Carl Hester’s deserved future knighthood, those of us who like to leap once in a while were thrilled (and a bit emotional) to cheer on Ben Hobday and Nick Skelton collecting their awards.

The evening was brilliantly produced and it was such fun to brush shoulders with the stars of the horse world. One former MFH was anxious at being in such close proximity to so many terrifying horsey ladies. I concurred and we headed for the bar.

Moving forward, it may be fitting to find a place for hunting in the Horse & Hound Awards. As a spoof, I posted a photo on social media of my wife posing in front of the stage, with the comment that she was about to win the award for Master’s Spouse of the Year. Aside from her obvious winning status, were there to have been such a category, I soon realised that my humour was almost as flat as my reputation. “That’s the least she deserves for putting up with you day in, day out,” posted my sister. Countless wrote: “Fantastic, so deserved.” Well, they have a point.

More appropriate, however, may be the Hunt of the Year or Hunt Supporter of the Year for someone who dedicates their all to raising funds or keeping the show on the road. Each hunt would have plenty of nominations.

Would your hunt consider its own Awards Night? Best Hipflask of the Year; Most Helpful Pony Club Member; Best Burger Flipper at Hunt Events; Most Impressive Recovery over a Hedge; Farmer of the Year; Hound of the Year; Thruster of the Year; Recipient of the Most Stinging Rollocking; Most Inventive Fundraiser; Arbitrator of the Most Unnecessary Hunt Row; Best Car Follower’s Picnic. The list could be endless.

The opening meet has passed, that annual rite of passage eagerly awaited and our hounds put in a tremendous performance that kept everyone entertained until dusk. With the temperature now dropping and scent improving daily, do hunt as often as possible before Christmas.

Ref Horse & Hound; 24 November 2016

Stuck for inspiration for a Christmas gift to buy a hunting enthusiast? We provide you with something for all tastes, from those with realistic expectations of what might be wrapped under the Christmas tree, to those where dreams have taken over.

1. Hunting tie (stock)

There are only a number of times that you can re-fold an old hunting tie in order not to show the stubborn shadows of mud that have resisted every stain remover on sale. For those people a new hunting tie is always an option… Whether it be four fold, shaped, white, cream or coloured is another matter but the options are all available at www.huntingstockmarket.co.uk

2. Homemade hip flask tipples

A bottle of sloe gin or perhaps something slightly more peculiar such as raspberry vodka, is always welcomed by those who like to carry a hip flask on hunting days. A little bit of forward planning is required for this and it won’t get delivered by next day delivery, however you may well get the opportunity to sample your own creations out on the hunting field over the course of the following season.

3. Rubber hunting boots

These are a must for anybody who has been caught out on gate-shutting duties, when their favourite leather boots with a few cracks in have just not kept out the mud when standing in the boggiest of gateways trying to do up frayed pieces of string. Available with or without leather tops for both ladies and gents at www.bestboots.co.uk

4. Saddle flask

Ideal for those whose hunt coat pockets are showing signs of wear and tear having suffered for years under the weight of a hip flask. Or perhaps you know somebody who owns a flask where the lid isn’t attached and has a tendency to land on the floor just as hounds start speaking. Some hip flasks simply don’t have sufficient capacity, so a saddle flask might be the only solution. Try one of these: http://thehuntingshop.co.uk

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5. Breeches

They may possibly be one of the most difficult items to select as presents, but nobody can have enough pairs of hunting breeches. This is particularly the case over the Christmas period when it’s possible to hunt virtually every day of the week and hanging washing on the line to dry isn’t necessarily an option. These breeches from Alexander James combine being washable with a traditional look and they also have belt loops as well as garter strap buttons which eliminates any need to choose standards over practicality: www.alexander-james.co.uk

6. A new lorry

We’ve all seen the adverts for smart new lorries in the back of the classified adverts in Horse & Hound, or wandered into one on a stand at Badminton, dreaming of driving away in a lorry that starts first time or has racks for your tack and rugs. Perhaps a new two-horse lorry under 3.5T would suit so that anyone who can drive a car is able to drive it without passing a further test. Visit www.horseandhound.co.uk/classifieds

7. Thermals

With temperatures plummeting it’s best to be prepared with a thermal stock shirt, available from: www.huntingmad.co.uk

8. Side-saddle lessons

Perhaps the special person in your life has always admired the elegance of those who ride sideways but has never been brave enough to give it a go. If so, perhaps a lesson would be the push they need for them to try it. For further details, contact: www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk

9. Waterproof riding mac

For those days when the heavens open a smart, waterproof riding mac to put over a hunt coat could be just the answer. Visit: www.ri-dryclothing.co.uk

10. Hunting stationery

The email and text message have not yet completely replaced traditional thank you letters, especially when it comes to writing to thank meet hosts for their generosity or masters of visiting packs. Hunting-themed correspondence cards are perfect for such communication. Try: www.ruralwrappings.co.uk

11. Commissioned painting

The ultimate, exclusive and lasting gift for anybody with a favourite hunter or hounds, has to be a commissioned oil or watercolour painting by sporting artist and Master of Foxhounds Daniel Crane. Visit: www.danielcrane.co.uk

You visualise Britain as hunt countries rather than counties, dream of holidaying in Ireland and have a chronic fear of blackthorns. Sound familiar? You may well be addicted to hunting...

1. In autumn you buy a mass of gin and pick as many sloes as you can.

2. You are hacking but you still shout ‘gate please!’ when walking through a gateway.

3. Never mind Chanel, Gucci or Louboutin it’s all about Patey and Bernard Weatherill.

4. Your natural riding seat is feet forward and body slightly behind the vertical.

5. Your breeches are a lot more baggy than any competition breeches.

6. Any sight of diamante or patent leather brings you out in a cold sweat.

7. You don’t care whether your horse is on the bit or what leg it’s on, but it is important that it is still underneath you and enjoying it as much as you are.

8. Your idea of a perfect holiday is a trip to Ireland to go hunting.

9. There are a lot of red coats, hedge jumping, hounds and beautiful country scenery on your Facebook news feed.

10. Six hours consistently on a horse seems comfortable.

11. Your visual map of Britain is not divided into counties but hunt countries.

12. Jumping fences that are less than five strides apart sounds very technical to you.

13. More daylight hours only means one thing — the season is drawing to a close.

14. Calcutt & Sons is your favourite shop.

15. It’s tricky to see out of the back window of your car for all the pro-hunting stickers.

16. Your diary has so many meet cards slipped into the back, you struggle to shut it.

17. You have a fear of blackthorns.

18. Any hedge or obstacle you drive past by is anaylsed on a basis of whether it would be jumpable out hunting.

19. To go home before the hounds is unthinkable.

20. Ten denier tights are bought not to wear with a dress but under your breeches.

21. The ring tone on your phone is the noise of a hunting horn.

22. When purchasing new tack, aesthetics doesn’t come into it; you’re looking for the most hardwearing and comfortable bits of kit.

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23. While other people’s arenas are full of showjumps and a few portable cross-country fences, yours is full of bullfinches, barrels and gates.

24. You find recognising people off a horse without a hat on is quite hard — and vice versa.

25. Puppy shows are enjoyable enough — but as soon as it’s over you think it’s time to get out hunting again.

It is one of the biggest days of the year for hunting, and Boxing Day meets never fail to disappoint. Last year more than 300 packs in the UK held Boxing Day meets, which attracted more than 250,000 supporters. So to make sure you don't miss out this year, hunt secretaries have sent us their meet details

Albrighton & Woodland

Where and when? Newport, Shropshire at 11am

Avon Vale

Where and when? The Red Lion, Lacock at 11am

Duke of Beaufort’s

Where and when? Worcester Lodge, Badminton at 10.45am

Berwickshire

Where and when? Butterdean, Grantshouse at 10.45am

Burton

Where and when? The Showground, Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln at 11am

Cambridgeshire with Enfield Chace

Where and when? The Eltisley Pub, Eltisley Cambs at 11am

Cheshire Forest

Where and when? Three Greyhounds, Allostock at 11am

Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray

Where and when? The Kennels, Petworth at 11am

College Valley North Northumberland

Where and when? Red Lion, Milfield at 10.45am

Cotswold

Where and when? The Kennels, Andoversford at 10.45am

Cury

Where and when? Helston, Cornwall at 11am

Eryri

Where and when? Village Green, Beddgelert at 10.30am

Essex & Suffolk

Where and when? Holbecks Park, Hadleigh at 11am

Fernie

Where and when? Great Bowden at 11am

Flint & Denbigh

Where and when? The Square, Denbigh at 10.45am

Golden Valley

Where and when? Hay Clock Tower at 10.45 am

Isle of Wight

Where and when? The Conker Field, Whitcombe Corner, Carisbrooke at 11am

East Kent with West Street

Where and when? The Square, Elham at 11am

Kimblewick

Where and when? Cholesbury Common at 12 noon

Meynell & South Staffs

Where and when? Blithfield Hall, Admaston at 11am

Morpeth

Where and when? The Dyke Neuk, Morpeth at 10.45am

New Forest

Where and when? Boltons Bench, Lyndhurst at 10.45am

West Norfolk

Where and when? Raynham Hall, West Raynham at 11am

Old Surrey Burstow & West Kent

Where and when? Chiddingstone Castle, Chiddingstone at 11am

West Percy

Where and when? Queen’s Head, Glanton, Alnwick at 11am

Portman

Where and when? Crown Hotel, Blandford at 10.45am

Quorn

Where and when? Prestwold Hall, Loughborough at 11am

North Staffordshire

Where? Woore

Surrey Union

Where and when? The Kennels, near Ockley, Surrey at 12 noon

Tiverton

Where and when? The Half Moon, Market Square, Tiverton at 11am

Towy & Cothi

Where and when? Neuadd Arms Cilycwm Llandovery at 11am

Warwickshire

Where and when? Upton House, Banbury at 10.45am

Woodland Pytchley

Where and when? Brigstock, Northants at 11am

To have your hunt’s Boxing Day meet included in this list, secretaries should please send details to our hunting editor Catherine Austen at catherine.austen@timeinc.com

If you or your child loves nothing more than flying across the country behind a pack of hounds then perhaps one of these ponies will be for you? Take a look at our selection of hunting ponies for sale on the Horse & Hound website this week.

1. ‘Genuine, tolerant and tough’

Height: 11.2hh

Age: six

Gender: mare

Selling points: “‘Missy’ is a cracking first pony and confidence builder. She can be totally trusted with children, and is careful, non-biting, non-bucking and non-bolting. She can be led from a big horse or from the ground. She is sensible and unflappable out hunting, carefully negotiating huge ditches and obstacles. She has attended a few Pony Club (PC) events, been to the beach and swum in the sea. She is good on her own or with others, has no vices and only wants to please and to be loved. I have also broken her to harness and she trots out beautifully and takes the weight well and is straight. Again she has never put a foot wrong here. I am keen to find her a home where she will be able to do her job, look after children and build their confidence. She has seen poles and small jumps and sees no issues with anything.”

View the advert

2. ‘Proper hunting pony’

Height: 14.1hh

Age: 10

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “‘Casper’ (on the right of this picture) is available to the best home as he is sadly outgrown. He is an exceptional hunter who crosses big country hedges, gates and ditches with no problem. He also does all Pony Club activities and can showjump really well. He whips in, goes on point, parades hounds — literally anything. He needs to find a new best friend and continue his job. Always safe and willing to look after his rider. Clipped and ready to go. Easy to do.”

View the advert

3. ‘Fun to ride’

Height: 14.2hh

Age: six

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “‘Ben’ is a Welsh section D who is fit and out hunting now. He has done everything including British Dressage (BD), showjumping, cross-country, working hunter, hunter trials and camp. He has an extremely scopey jump and is 100% to hack alone or in company. He is good to do.”

View the advert

4. ‘Kid’s hunting machine

Height: 14hh

Age: six

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “This pony has an old head on young shoulders. He has carried both adults and kids in the hunting field and is snaffle mouthed. He is careful over timber and bold to a hedge. He would suit a competitive child for hunting adventures. He has a polite, quiet nature and is easy to have around. He isn’t a complete novice ride as he is a talented pony, but he has a nice, genuine nature. Stands like a rock to clip and has competed in riding club (RC) and PC activities. He is good to do any job with.”

View the advert

5. ‘Fabulous’

Height: 14.2hh

Age: 13

Gender: mare

Selling points: “This pony has done all PC activities including camp several times. She hunts regularly and loves jumping in the field. She will jump anything, has a huge amount of stamina and will go all day. She is kind and gentle in the yard and field but is not a novice ride. Good to catch, shoe and clip. ‘Lexi’ does not like being on her own in a yard or field and she travels well in a lorry with other horses but not in a trailer.”

View the advert

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6. ‘Excellent’

Height: 12hh

Age: 10

Gender: gelding

Selling points: “This is an excellent hunting pony who has sadly been outgrown. He is great to be handled by both children and adults and is good to catch, clip and shoe and lives in or out. ‘Jamie’ has given my daughter two great season’s hunting — he has really looked after her and filled her with lots of confidence. He loves to jump and he would like a child to have some fun with. ”

View the advert

NB: Horse & Hound has not checked the accuracy of the claims made in these adverts and cannot be held liable if the information included above is inaccurate in any way

View more horses for sale on horseandhound.co.uk

Whether a Brexiteer or a Remoaner, you may well be considering what effect leaving the EU may have on hunting. Well, very little is the most likely answer.

There was, I seem to recall, some half-hearted attempt, regarding the Hunting Act, at an appeal in the European Court. Despite the rest of the Continent generally having a far more salutary and pragmatic attitude to the countryside and country sports, it was predictably unsuccessful. It must be the only area of our national life the European Court felt was out of its jurisdiction during the past 40 years.

Of far greater significance to British hunters must be the Labour Party’s anomalous decision to retain their antique leader. The once great party of the working classes, the party of Attlee and MacDonald, chose to keep Jeremy Corbyn, that grand old lefty and relic of the 1970s, thus consigning them to the political fringe for the foreseeable future.

It is hard to imagine what the present government could do badly enough not to garner a far larger majority at the next election. That in turn raises the prospect of some sober and pragmatic action regarding the failures of the Hunting Act and countryside issues generally.

I am aware there are other pressing matters to which the government need attend. However, the flame of hope still faintly flickers that the current state of limbo in which hunting dwells might yet be addressed.

Carpe diem

I am no Scrooge when it comes to Christmas, but I do my best to block out all references to it, which seem to begin as early as All Saints Day, until the 25th itself. I awoke on a recent Sunday morning barely into December, feeling somewhat jaded from the previous night’s festivities, to find hundreds of sweaty Santas running around the usually tranquil Belvoir park. A charity event for a very worthy cause, as it turned out. But to me, “running” and “dressing as Father Christmas” is how I envisage the Tenth Circle of Hell.

And then there is tinsel. What possesses normally sane people to bedeck their poor horses instead of the Christmas tree?

Tinsel and baubles are tomorrow’s dread. My concern is our next hunting day at Long Clawson; we have 40 visitors booked in and counting. I know we huntsmen like to complain about too many people, but really I relish it. The “huroosh” of a big field adds to the exhilaration and the bruisers in the Belvoir field were (and are) legendary.

I recall as a whipper-in going away from Clawson Thorns; as the last hound left the covert and you set off towards the first hedge, the noise thundering behind was like the charge of Scarlett’s Heavy Brigade at Balaclava.

Hunting with the Belvoir epitomises what Jorrocks referred to as: “The image of war, without the guilt and only five and twenty percent its danger.” Former master John Blakeway used to equate hunting with the Belvoir field to rugby on horseback. The unwritten rule was: “Never stop and help anybody and never catch a loose horse, just push your hat down and kick on.” It certainly inspires  a sense of carpe diem.

On the home front life is as ever hectic, though we still await with some impatience a purple patch of settled weather. No two days have been alike, and slow, lingering fogs have proved an added concern. Nonetheless, the dog pack from Leadenham and, the following day, the bitches from Harby gave all who were present a foretaste of delights to come.

In the words of Omar Khayyam, “Dead yesterdays and unborn tomorrows, why fret about it, if today be sweet?”

Ref Horse & Hound; 15 December 2016

If you're keen to show willing and impress on the hunting field, take a look at these useful tips from Tessa Waugh

• You have far more of a chance of being helpful if you pay attention to what is going on around you. Stop chatting (not all day — we’re allowed a bit of fun) about last night’s party or so and so’s new horse, and look and listen.

• When you come to a closed gate and you see the field master looking around, quickly volunteer to open it. If you have to get off your horse, so much the better. It’s great for your hunting-cred — everyone will file past thanking you and thinking that you’re marvellous.

• Similarly, if you see the huntsman or master and the hounds heading in the direction of a closed gate with no-one to help him, ask the field master if you can go and open it.

• If you hunt with a pack which doesn’t have nominated gate-shutters, try and close a few gates after everyone else has gone through — and not just the nice swingy ones with the latches that you can do from your horse. Get off and do the miserable one off its hinges in a bog. With any luck, someone else will be there to hold your horse.

• Look out for any stock in the fields you are going through. If you see a herd of cattle charging towards an open gate which members of the field are exiting, position your horse between the gate and the cattle to prevent them from escaping. If any stock get out, offer to help get them back in.

• Try to get to know the farmers whose land you are crossing so that when you come across them, perhaps holding a gate open, you can smile and politely pass the time of day, rather than barging through and shouting “gate please” without giving said farmer (whose land you are on) a second glance.

• If one of your fellow field members is struggling with a piece of tack or wanting to get off for any reason, volunteer to hold their horse. Likewise, if you see the master or hunt staff getting off their horse for any reason, offer to go and hold it for them.

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• If you see a loose horse, try catching it and taking it back to its rider. It is a massive bore going back, particularly if hounds are running, but the shoe might be on the other foot another day.

• When you are on a road, be aware of any traffic that can’t get through, get out of the way quickly and send the message forward by shouting “car please”. Any communication that encourages better relations between hunting and non-hunting people is a good thing.

Our hunting editor picks her dream days — from a Friday with the Taunton Vale flying over hedges to a Cottesmore Tuesday with a screaming scent

1. The College Valley/North Northumberland, on the Cheviot, on a little thoroughbred hireling of Dickie Jeffreys’ called Emma Jones. She might not have made it as a point-to-pointer, but she is the perfect conveyance in this very steep, wild hill country. The hounds are magic – watching them makes every hunting person’s heart sing.

2. The Dummer Beagles at Rockliffe, near Stow-on-the-Wold. I’m not sure there is a better pack of hounds anywhere than these bitches. They are very fast with a tremendous, high cry, and at any given point during a hunt you could throw a handkerchief over the whole pack.

3. A morning’s autumn hunting at Ditchley with the Heythrop on Rupert – a little grey ex-racehorse belonging to Claire Hardwick. He absolutely “gets” hunting, loves hounds, will stand like a rock on his own yet his origins as a Flat horse mean he’s got a serious fifth gear. And autumn hunting suits him perfectly as after three hours, he feels his haynet is calling…

4. The Scarteen, from Elton or Hospital. Huge double-bank country with a unique pack of hounds. In my dreams, I’d be lent master Chris Ryan’s best horse…

5. A Friday with the Taunton Vale on Bridget Burbidge’s brilliant grey horse, Jack. Hedges, hedges and more hedges, and a fantastically friendly bunch of people.

6. The Glyn Celyn Beagles on the Eppynt on my 14.1hh pony, Spur, more years ago than I care to mention. Pretty much the best field sport you can imagine – a great pack of hounds on open hill, and only my brother and I mounted and therefore able to stay with them.

7. A Belvoir Thursday in Lincolnshire. Miles and miles of flat, open country with nothing to stop these marvellous hounds. I’d be on a really good ditch jumper with loads of stamina

8. A Cottesmore Tuesday, with a screaming scent, on the classy horse joint-master Nick Leeming lent me last week…

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9. A Pytchley day with my good friend Will Spencer at the helm, doing our best to keep up with huntsman Dan Cherriman and his hounds. I’d borrow Carrot, the excellent hedge jumper Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray master Vicki Wilkins lent me recently for a day with them, and take him for a day out in the Shires.

10. A Heythrop Saturday from Swell Wold on my own horse, Molly. She’s coming back from injury and I miss hunting her very much. She loves the fantastic going of this wonderful part of the Heythrop country, which is absolutely designed and laid out for hunting. I’d stick as close to field master Nick Seal as I could, with my friends around me, and I’d hack home with hounds at the end of the day knowing I was in the cream of the country on the best horse I’ll ever have.

I was toying with the idea of writing something political but I don’t want to be known as a one-trick pony; I always seem to bang on about where hunting stands politically. I will just mention that I was disappointed to see Zac Goldsmith lose his huge majority of 23,000 in Richmond (particularly as the Old Surrey Burstow and West Kent spent many hours helping him to get elected).

People say politicians are not sincere, that they live in a bubble and that they need more conviction. So, Zac resigned on a matter of principle because he had said he would if the Government backed a third runway at Heathrow, as it would seriously affect his constituency. He then fulfils his promise, resigns and stands as an Independent in the by-election and, lo and behold, they vote him out in the most Churchillian manner.

What a dirty business politics is. I think I must have political Tourette’s. I will move on.

Season’s greetings

The hunting season is well under way and Christmas looms large. The scent is very patchy and the ground has returned to “good to firm and firm in places” in the south-east.

The long list of fund-raising activities so vital to every hunt starts to take shape from now on, from Christmas carols to hunt balls and horn blowing.

We have already had a “blow in the barn” that was well attended, and I urge anyone reading this to support your hunts events in any way they can.

Our community is not understood on many fronts today and it is more important than ever that we support each other and our hunt at these events.

It is of course just as important that we support on a day’s hunting as well, there can be few things more depressing for the team than to take two days to put on a Saturday meet with all the trimmings and then see just a handful of mounted followers enjoy the fruits of their labour.

We thank our team all the time but there is one way to show you really care and that is by giving generously to their Christmas box. I can assure you some cash will say a thousand words and make them feel appreciated and valued. It is our time to repay all the hard work.

A very Happy Christmas to you and your horses and hounds!

Ref Horse & Hound; 22 December 2016

Ahead of the Boxing Day meets that will take place across the country tomorrow, Tessa Waugh offers advice on the best ways to keep yourself and your horse in one piece while out hunting

• Stay alert to your surroundings and you are much less likely to come to grief. Accidents are less likely to happen to someone who is on the ball than someone who drank too much at the meet and isn’t fully concentrating.
• Be aware of the novice, the old, the very young or the people struggling with their horses. Give them all a wide berth and don’t gallop past them at a million miles an hour.
• Channel Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing: “This is your dance space, this is my dance space…”. Try not to barge into people and try to avoid being barged into. Of course, this isn’t always possible, but if you try and maintain some space around you and your horse (while in motion and when standing still) you are far less likely to get kicked or trodden on.
• Don’t get too close to the horse in front. If they fall they’ll bring you down with them.
• When you’re in a queue to jump a fence, try not to let your horse go until the person in front has taken off. Ideally they will have landed too, but this isn’t always possible if you hunt with a lot of sharp-elbowed people who want to get on.
• If you know your horse will go, stay as near to the front as you can, particularly when jumping. You are less likely to get in trouble there than you are in the middle of the field.

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• Be aware of what’s underfoot. It sounds basic, but when the red mist descends horse and rider can lock on and forget the bog lurking in the corner of that field or fail to see the wire that someone has kindly lowered.
• Identify the people who rarely get it wrong and tuck in behind them. Steer clear of those you know – or suspect – will stop at a fence, or who struggle to hold a straight line.
• Know when to call it a day. There will always be another day and a tired horse is more likely to hurt itself – or you.

The H&H photographers were on hand to capture those moments when things didn't quite to plan — as well as the hair-raising occasions that had us reaching for a hip flask...

With Valegro retiring, Nick Skelton winning gold and William Fox-Pitt getting back in the saddle after his fall, 2016 has certainly been emotionally-charged...

We round up some of the best hip flasks on the market that we'd like to have in our pocket out hunting this season — or as something to have waiting for you when you get home

Asprey hipflask

Beautifully crafted sterling silver hip flask from Asprey. It is 12.5cm high and 7.5cm wide with a screw top lid.
RRP: £620
Visit: www.asprey.com

Ettinger hipflask

Stainless steel hip flask, covered in leather, with a captive top; 6oz (170ml approx). It comes with a silver steel flask funnel. Also comes in orange, purple or red and can be personalised.
RRP: £115
Visit: www.ettinger.co.uk

Aspinal double leather hip flask

This is a smart and elegant kidney shaped, traditional stainless steel 6oz hip flask. It is hand bound in the finest smooth burgundy red Italian calf leather and has a surprise twist. Inside it has two beautiful 3oz decanters each with a screw lid so you can share with a companion or perhaps to carry a choice of tipple.
RRP: £85
Visit: www.aspinaloflondon.com

Cartridge hip flask

This stainless steel hip flask in the shape of a cartridge makes a great gift for any sportsman. The flask comes with a funnel for easy filling, and is gift boxed and tied with satin ribbon free of charge.
RRP: £24
Visit: www.notonthehighstreet.com

Hand blown glass hunting flask

A beautiful hand blown glass hunting flask used for holding liquid, usually alcohol to warm the cockels whilst out hunting. The leather case is also included, which acts as a protector and allows you to attach it to the saddle whilst riding.
RRP: £408
Visit: www.huntingstockmarket.com

Purdey round chequer leather flask with tot

An interesting and slightly different take on the conventional pocket flask. This round stainless steel and leather flask features a traditional gun chequering pattern etched into the leather and the centre of the flask contains a handy tot cup for a warming shot.
RRP: £150
Visit: www.purdey.com

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Harris Tweed hip flask

A stainless steel flask wrapped in the famous deep green herringbone Harris tweed. A dark tan leather keeps it anchored in place and this flask holds 6oz/177ml of your chosen dram.
RRP: £28
Visit: www.walkerslater.com

Great American flask

As American as bourbon whiskey, the Great American Flask by Jacob Bromwell is 100% handcrafted in the USA using pure, solid copper.
RRP: $199.99
Visit: www.jacobbromwell.com

Ergo hip flask

A sterling silver hip flask in a unique design which is a great alternative to the standard hip flask. Available in 4oz and 6oz.
RRP: £1,050
Visit: www.williamandson.com

Scottish heritage leather hip flask

The 100% premium leather pouch is produced by a single craftsman in Scotland, who accompanies each item with a handwritten note. The pouch is hand-made and hand-stitched.
RRP: £199
Visit: www.swigflasks.com

A shocking video has emerged of shots being fired close to a hunt.

Followers of the North Cornwall were riding along a public road near Blisland in Bodmin on 2 January when a number of shots were heard close by.

A video, taken by one of the mounted followers, clearly records the sound of the shots. This is then followed by shouts from the riders and the field quickly moving on.

Click here to see the video *warning: contains some strong language*

Master and huntsman Ralph Mankee told H&H that this is the third year this has happened in this area.

He said that on this occasion he had taken the hounds a different route to avoid the area, so was not there when the shots were heard, but he has passed on a statement to police.

“He does it simply to intimidate and threaten,” Mr Mankee said.

“To actually use a shotgun to intimidate, I would say is threatening behaviour.

“I think he should have his shotgun licence revoked.”

Mr Mankee confirmed that nobody was injured in the incident.

A spokesman for Devon & Cornwall police said they received a call just before 11.30am on 2 January to reports of a possible hunt, and another call advising that shots were fired in Blisland, Bodmin.

“The incident concerned a dispute between a hunt party and a landowner,” he said.

“Police have made enquiries and spoken to the interested parties. No crime has been recorded.”

A spokesman for the Countryside Alliance added: “However people’s views on hunting may differ, firing a gun in the proximity of where children and adults are riding is not an acceptable form of protest.

“The riders were taking part in a legal activity and were riding on a public highway. It is totally irresponsible and unacceptable behaviour.”

Forget the presents and turkey. It's maximising our time in the hunting field that we're missing most about the Christmas break. We round up some of the best shots from the festive season. Don't miss this week's issue of Horse & Hound magazine (5 January 2017) with 18 pages of seasonal reports and photos

Plague and pestilence aside, there are few acceptable reasons for hounds being an hour late at the meet. During World War II, not even a direct hit on part of the Essex Union hunt kennels prevented Arthur Webster (father of my childhood huntsman at the Belvoir, the genial Jim Webster) arriving at the meet on time after a long hack. My recent scrape with danger and resulting tardiness was less damaging, if not for my pride.

As is my wont, I was checking some country a decent walk from my car on the way to a meet before Christmas, held in celebration of the intrepid David Robinson’s 75th birthday. Despite my shepherding attempts, a lone sheep was insistent on repeatedly running downhill towards a stream. In the end we were playing dodgems on the high bank as I tried to save it from a watery death. Predictably the bank gave way and I plummeted 10ft, belly-flopping into the drink.

Coming up for air, in full kit under my overtrousers, coat and wellies, all I could see was the woolly creature peering over the lip of the bank, probably laughing. Stubbornness overtook and the sheep was eventually persuaded to rejoin its friends a field away.

Country preparation is crucial, but I now have armbands and snorkel in my tool rucksack.

Good neighbours

The past couple of seasons have seen an upsurge in anti-hunt activity, on and off the hunting field. Our opponents’ tactics now reflect the opportunities of modern social media and technologies.
Prosecutions are still rare; however, the possibilities of malicious incrimination are higher than 10 years ago as camera equipment akin to that of the armed forces and the police is now used to try to convict hunts. Old-fashioned saboteurs are also clubbing together to create a greater impact on the hunting field.

The anti-hunt movement curiously mirrors the fortunes of left-wing activism. Inspired by the “new” politics, despite the polarity between Mr Corbyn’s messianic popularity within the newly constituted Labour Party and his sinking poll ratings, activists feel a sense of momentum far beyond their weight. This confidence, coupled with a corrupting use of social media, where lies and half-truths become pseudo-facts, make our opponents appear much more powerful than they are.

Yet the photos of mammoth crowds at meets on Boxing Day show that hunting still enjoys huge support across the country and many hunts, including our own, are reporting record levels of subscribers.

That is the real truth, not malicious threats and allegations from behind an anonymous keyboard.

Ref Horse & Hound; 12 January 2017

The owner of a 32-year-old mare who is in her 27^th season of hunting says there are no plans to retire her yet as the horse still loves the sport.

Cornwall-based Ann Sheldrake bred and produced Queenie and has been driving her in a carriage during the summer and hunting in the winter ever since.

The 16hh mare, who is “almost 3/4 Welsh cob and 1/4 thoroughbred”, is still being driven and provides a carriage service at weddings.

“She’s wonderful,” said 77-year-old Mrs Sheldrake, who is accompanied out with the South Tetcott Hunt by husband Roy, 75, and his 26-year-old mare Sheedy.

“She’s very gentle; my 10-month-old granddaughter sits on her back and plays with her mane, and my grandson learned to ride on her.

“I teach driving with her too; we’ve had a lot to do with the Riding for the Disabled Association and she’s helped raise £4,000 for the Happy Landings driving for the disabled group.”

Mrs Sheldrake said Queenie, who has enjoyed competitive success with the British Driving Society, is “easy” to hunt, but can “get a bit fed up with the standing around”.

“If I’m standing there with a pasty in one hand and a drink in the other, she will suddenly head back to the trailer!” she said.

Continues below…

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“We used to be among the ‘thrusters’ with the Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray Hunt, where I was secretary too, and she’s still jumping. She jumped a line of six fences at last year’s opening meet and still would, she loves it all.

“I’ve got no plans to retire her yet; she’d fall away if I did.”