Catherine Austen talks to the Countryside Alliance chairman about where hunting lies in the political landscape and what can be done to secure its future
Nick Herbert Chairman Countryside Alliance 08.02.20
“We need to be clear about this: it can’t be ‘business as usual’,” says Nick Herbert, the new chairman of the Countryside Alliance. “We can’t spend the next five years waiting for the next hiatus. We have to use this time profitably, and that is about getting on to the front foot in terms of the promotion of our country sports. You can’t do that unless you are sure the sports are in shape to promote properly.”
Nick, a former minister of state for policing and criminal justice who stepped down as a Conservative MP at the last general election, does not mince his words when asked what hope there is that the Hunting Act 2004 could be altered in hunting’s favour, or even repealed.
Kimblewick hunt 30.10.18
Andrew Sallis ( Jt/Mast & H/Man )
Our long-suffering vale farmers now bid us farewell as we head for the hills and woodland for the twilight of the season. Their relief is only matched by mine at not having to ask them again until autumn.
February also means the hunt AGM and the pantomime. Contrary to rumour, these are separate events, and as I appear on stage at both, the tin hat might get two outings in a fortnight. By the time this column appears, both will be over, gloriously I hope — although with hindsight, the hundreds at the pantomime may be wishing they’d opted for last week’s AGM formality after seeing my efforts in the cancan.
Voluntary humiliation is par for the course for an MFH, but I am assured that by now the video will be locked in a secret vault, as I never want to see it.
As the Hunting Act passes its 15th anniversary, H&H investigates how hunts are using social media to promote the role they play in the countryside and rural communities, alongside celebrating their hounds, horses and way of life
Library image.
Hunting is not only surviving, but thriving 15 years after the ban — as packs ensure they are as relevant as ever in today’s society.
The Hunting Act came into force in February 2005. In 2020, hundreds of hunts continue to operate within the law, with thousands of people supporting them.
And packs are taking action to spread positive messages by being more active on social media, to promote their community activities and help educate those who may not understand hunting.
When Mary and I set out for hunting on Saturday, my heart wasn’t really in it. We had high winds again, something that has blighted a number of days this season; they were whistling around the treetops in a menacing way, which could only bode ill for the day ahead.
Unboxing, it took all my strength to close the trailer door. I was clinging on like Mary Poppins with her umbrella, only with far worse language. Feeling defeated before we’d begun, I told Mary we’d give it a couple of hours and call it a day.
We’re galloping towards the end of a particularly wet, muddy hunting season. H&H’s hunting editor summarises what we’ve learnt…
1. It’s nice and soft when you fall off. You don’t bounce; it’s like falling on to a mattress. Sort of.
2. Horses do get used to jumping out of mud — you might need to use your legs a bit more, but it’s been so wet that it hasn’t been sticky mud and they’ve coped well.
3. Hosing it down is an acceptable way to clean your tack when it’s properly filthy after a day’s hunting this season – just bung on loads of soap/tack conditioner afterwards and do so again when it is dry.
4. You will never tease anyone who hunts in a riding mackintosh again. Anyone with the sense to keep themselves dry this winter has been the subject of many jealous looks.
5. There are a million ways to prevent and treat mud fever and everyone has their favourite, which they insist is the only one possible. Covering horses’ legs and stomachs in something like pig oil has its drawbacks, however – you cover yourself in it too.
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6. Cleaning a really muddy hunting coat is actually the worst job in the world. Do you scrub it down immediately and leave to dry, or do you dry it first, scratch the worst lumps off with your fingernails and then brush the rest until your arm aches? Clay soil is the absolute worst and might reduce you to tears.
7. But cleaning muddy horses is strangely satisfying – and wet, sloppy mud comes off easily. Turning a brown horse back into a grey one and seeing them clean, dry and warm and tucking into their haynets after a good day’s hunting is lovely.
8. Anyone who bought a grey horse in the autumn has bitterly regretted it all winter, however. It’s much easier when they come in a shade of brown.
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Belvoir Hunt kennels 21.12.17
John Holliday ( H/Man ) walking hounds on the Belvoir estate
February “fill dyke” has lived up to its reputation, the problem being that the dykes are already full. As I write, the River Smite has been transformed from a stream to a likeness of the mighty Mississippi, and the vale of Belvoir resembles the bayous of Louisiana. Careful consideration is being given as to how far toward spring we will continue to hunt this season.
A few weeks ago, we accepted an invitation from the “canny lads” of Northumberland to hunt the Tynedale country, a treat indeed. We enjoyed an excellent day — after a hunt of over two hours, the mileometer had reached double figures.
Tessa Waugh reflects on a season blighted by storms, rain and injuries to horse and human — but is buoyed by a new horse from down south, who is taking to hill life like the proverbial duck
I think we can safely say that 2019/20 hasn’t been the best of seasons. I was talking to a master from further down the country the other day and he agreed.
“And anyone who says any different is lying,” he said robustly.
A 1905 painting of the Cheshire Hunt setting off from Combermere Abbey has been recreated on camera, 115 years later.
Amelia Hart, of Something From the Hart Photography, was asked by the abbey’s owners Sarah Callander Beckett and her husband Peter to try to re-stage the GD Giles picture this season.
“I’d never been asked to do anything like that but it sounded a really exciting opportunity,” Amelia told H&H. “The first challenge, we thought, was the weather as it was torrential rain – but actually that worked really well as it was a similar light to that in the painting. So for once, the rain definitely worked in our favour.”
Amelia said it was also a challenge to position herself to get the same perspective as the artist, which was hard as the trees and landscape have changed in the last century. She also only had once chance; the Cheshire was meeting there only on 20 February and once they had moved off, that was it.
“There was one opportunity to get the picture before they went off on the trail, and we got it,” she said. “I think it worked well, and the owners said they loved it.”
Mrs Beckett said she and her husband came up with the idea to mark his presidency of the Tarporley Hunt Club, and to celebrate the completed 25-year restoration of the abbey.
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She explained that the trees now visible on the left were scrub in the early 20th century; a wood planted to mark the two-year residence of the Austrian empress in the abbey.
“We took the opportunity to recreate the essence of the painting,” she told H&H. “And it celebrates the fact communities still participate in rural activities across the land, and support each other.”
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A Connemara pony who hunted 19 consecutive seasons and showjumped for Jersey has been put down aged 25.
Sue Le Moucheux thought she had wasted her time travelling to England when she first saw 14.2hh gelding Paddy as a just-backed five-year-old – but 20 years on, she says she could not have been more wrong.
“I looked over the stable door, saw this hairy monster and thought ‘oh my god, what a waste of time coming’,” Sue told H&H.
“But as we were there, I thought it only polite to have a look – and there was just something about him.”
Sue bought Paddy for her daughter Leanne, and the pair did “absolutely everything” together, from Pony Club to representing the island in the jumping arena.
Leanne started hunting him in 2001 with the Jersey Drag Hunt and after she went to university, Sue took the reins.
“He was such a little star,” Sue said. “Never lame, sick or sorry, and he was such a clever pony. When he was 14 or 15, he decided showjumping wasn’t for him; he realised he could go round the jumps rather than over them and I knew his heart wasn’t in it. But his heart was always in hunting.”
Sue said Paddy would always be leading the field, tackling the “humungous banks” and taking everything in his stride.
“He never knew how small he was hunting,” she said. “He didn’t care if he was next to a 17.2hh; he’d be up and gone and that was it.
“He loved the hounds; if you took him on a hunt ride and hounds weren’t there, he’d get really cross, marching along and looking around for them. But as soon as he heard hounds, he’d be up at the front.”
Sue said Paddy gave pleasure to a huge number of people, from children to a friend of hers who was very nervous but had always wanted to hunt.
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“I said she could take him and I’d follow in the car, in my hunting kit, in case she wanted to stop,” Sue said. “But by the end of the first field, she had a smile from ear to ear and I knew I wasn’t hunting that day.”
Paddy was hunting until three weeks before his death. Sue said she could see in the days beforehand that he was not himself and the vet was called but he died, thought possibly to be owing to liver failure or cancer.
“He took the decision out of our hands,” Sue said. “It was a perfect way to go. He was such a character, a real star.”
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A former hunting lodge set in Instagram-worthy countryside, with sweeping views over Porlock Bay, deserves a loving new resident after the previous owner — who was the old master of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds — suddenly passed away.
West Hacketty is regarded as a “magnificent country residence” by agents at Fine & Country.
The home is located within a mile of the Exmoor village of Porlock. It takes full advantage of the surrounding views which stretch over the village towards the Bristol Channel and National Trust countryside. The village is within a mile and caters for all everyday needs including supermarkets, a chemist, butcher, bakery, post office and a variety of other independent shops. Minehead is five miles away.
As your new home is rooted in hunting history, it would be rude not to take advantage of the excellent packs on your doorstep. You will be slap bang in the middle of Devon and Somerset Staghounds territory and the Mendip Farmers and West Somerset Vale Hunts are also not far away.
Equestrian centres within a drivable distance include: Kings Sedgemoor (38 miles), Cannington (28 miles) and Chard Equestrian (46 miles).
The amazing cross-country facilities on offer at Mendip Plains Equestrian Centre are 60 miles away.
If you prefer to show, sign up to BSPS Area 13B for a range of local fixtures.
Offered for sale by Fine & Country a splurge on this countryside haven will set you back exactly £765,000.
Are you hunting mad and ready to take on West Hacketty?
The real selling point of this property is the jaw-dropping setting. There is plenty of hacking and you can go for miles and not touch a road…
There is stabling for six horses. The land and stables adjoin a woodland at the rear of the property where there is also a field with shelter and access out into Doverhay Lane. The stable yard has mains water, drainage and electricity.
As well as formal gardens, there is just uner 5.5 acres of land which includes a paddock and woodland. Outside you also find a heated, covered swimming pool.
The home was built in 1915 by the Clifford family. Traditional features include stone elevations with circular bays and chimney stacks. The original grand entrance and the principle reception rooms have been retained.
The generously proportioned accommodation is equipped with oil-fired central heating and is arranged over two floors. There are four bedrooms in total.
The home is entered through a heavy studded door, which leads to the reception hall with painted cut stone walls, leaded windows and flagstone flooring.
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The end of another hunting season brings with it feelings of sadness – what on earth are we going to do for the next few months? – and a little bit of relief to have made it in one piece. But before you turn your mind to less important pastimes, there are a few things you need to think about.
1. Take your tack to pieces properly, give it a thorough clean, check the stitching and make sure you get anything repaired that needs it.
2. Make sure your own kit is clean, mended and put away. It’s oh-so easy to forget that your boots need re-soling, you’ve lost a button from your hunting coat and that you didn’t clean your hunting whip – and discover all that at 10pm on the night before your first morning’s autumn hunting.
3. Write thank you letters to your masters and hunt staff. They work incredibly hard in difficult circumstances to provide you with your fun; the least you can do is show your appreciation.
4. If your hunter is having a holiday, give him an MOT first – if his back needs doing, get it looked at now, because it won’t magically correct itself in the field.
5. Have a lie-in.
6. Do all those things you’ve been planning to do all winter, but haven’t had time because hunting is more fun. DIY, paperwork, going to IKEA. You have no more excuses.
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7. See what help you can give your hunt this summer – is your hunt getting involved with the Countryside Alliance-supported Great British Spring Clean (28-29 March)? Do they need someone to help in the burger van at the pony show? Do they need a working party to help build and repair hunt jumps, or paint the kennels?
8. Go to a hound show, even if your own hounds aren’t showing. The Lycetts Festival of Hunting takes place on the East of England Showground at Peterborough on 22 July.
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A horse and foxhound with a combined age of 44 who hunted alongside each other for many seasons are now enjoying their twilight years in retirement together.
Foxhound Factor, 14, and hunter Mickey, 30, who both belonged to the Albrighton & Woodland, are now living out their days in happy retirement with the Robbins family.
“We walked Factor as a puppy,” Kay Robbins told H&H. “He came to us when he was about eight weeks old with a bitch and they were the first hound puppies we had.
“We would follow on foot and Factor would spot us and immediately move to the outside of the pack to come and say hello.”
Factor trail-hunted for seven seasons and in 2012 had surgery to remove part of his stern [tail], returning to the Robbins family for some R&R after his operation.
“He came to stay with us and the intention was that he was going back to kennels, so we tried to keep him that way,” she said, adding that Factor had other ideas.
In 2013, the Albrighton Woodland amalgamated with the Albrighton and Factor was drafted to the Curre & Llangibby, where he was due to be reunited with previous master and breeder, Peter Swann MFH.
As he was then seven and had started to slow down a little, it was decided that he could retire to live with the Robbins family.
Factor enjoying retired life
“He settled into a pet’s life quite easily to be honest!” she laughed, adding he is “brilliant with the grandchildren” and would even share the cat’s feed dish.
“He very quickly adjusted to being a pet and seemed to like his new life and all his new canine friends that he met on his walks.”
Both Mickey and Factor spent many days on the hunting field together and parading hounds at shows.
“Mickey was Peter’s horse when he was with the Garth and South Bucks [which has since formed part of the Kimblewick] and brought Mickey with him when he joined the Albrighton & Woodland,” said Mrs Robbins.
“But he injured his back, so it was decided he needed an easier life.”
Once his back had recovered, he was offered to the Robbins’s on loan aged 17 and he continued to enjoy hunting in the field and did some days whipping-in with Mrs Robbins’ daughter, Ashleigh Robbins.
“He was quirky — a proper flight animal — but over the years he has mellowed so much,” she said.
“He is 30 now and very happy in his field. He’s so lovely and always happy to see people, he will come up and put his nose on my shoulder. He doesn’t like being on his own, so he has a 10.2hh Welsh section A companion called Blue, who he absolutely adores.”
Mickey and Blue
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Tessa Waugh contemplates a new job for her beloved ancient trailer, after a series of misadventures eventually culminates in a loud bang and a missing door en route to a meet
When our ancient trailer arrived three or four years ago, I was thrilled. We’d just got hold of some ponies for Alec and Mary, needed something to drag them around with, and that old, green trailer — which towed my own ponies around aeons ago — symbolised freedom of the most exhilarating kind. Seeing it there in the yard felt like passing my driving test all over again.
My father dragged it up from Wiltshire — a torturous journey made worse due to a detour via the Taunton Vale kennels to collect a horse for Adam and a couple of hound puppies from our friend Guy, who was a master there.
Daniel Cherriman and hounds at the Pytchley hunt kennels
It may come as a surprise to those of you who know my appetite for hunting that I’m quite relieved the season has now finished. The Pytchley, like many other packs in this part of the country, called time a couple of weeks earlier than usual. The reason for this was the unprecedented wet that has dogged us all winter from about 1 October onwards and a general desire not to take advantage of the extraordinary generosity our farmers have shown us all season.
As a huntsman, the season is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. I look forward to each and every day with eager anticipation – then there is the comedown if it’s cancelled or if things don’t go to plan, or the elation of a good day.
Best-laid plans are scuppered, but the hardy few who brave the sleet are rewarded with a great day – while Tessa Waugh’s mother provides the gold standard in plucky perseverance
How long do you expect to carry on riding? Hunting, for that matter? Make a clean break at 60? Carry on for as long as you can like The Queen? Wait until your horse gives up the ghost and retire with them, or plan to “die in action” on the hunting field, as a friend from the South and West Wilts once told me she hoped to do.
I’ve heard people make a case for all of the above, and I was thinking about this on Saturday as I watched my mother gamely step aboard a friend’s horse for a day with the College Valley.
Many equestrian sports across the UK are coming to a halt as more bodies announce they are ceasing activities owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the Point-to-Point Authority, the Pony Club, Endurance GB, and the Hunting Office are the latest to cancel all events – following British Eventing’s announcement last night that all eventing would cease with immediate effect.
The British Horse Society (BHS) has cancelled its activities due to take place in Ireland; the BHS on Tour (29 March) and the National Coaching Convention (30 March). A spokesman said an update on the society’s other UK activities would be released today.
At the time of publication, the British Equestrian Federation, British Dressage, British Riding Clubs, and British Showjumping had yet to release statements on whether events under their remit would continue.
The Pony Club’s statement said the trustees had been in discussion yesterday and made the “very difficult” decision to cancel all centrally organised events.
“This includes the winter triathlon at Stoke Mandeville on Sunday (22 March) and the winter series final at Arena UK on 4-5 April,” said the statement.
“Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, requesting that we minimise social contact and non-essential travel, we advise all Pony Club activities cease with immediate effect.
“We would like to thank our members, parents and volunteers for their support in the decision to play our part in preventing the spread of covid-19.”
A spokesman for Endurance GB said its board had taken the decision to cancel all rides for at least the next couple of months.
“Following an emergency meeting, the board agreed unanimously in the light of the government advice and in the interests of ensuring the sport placed no additional burden on the NHS or put the health and safety of members, volunteers and officials at risk – all ride activity would cease until at least the end of May,” said the spokesman.
Endurance GB’s chair Phil Nunnerley added the situation would be under constant review in line with the latest advice, with the aim of resuming the season as soon as practical and safe to do so.
“This is a very sad situation,” he said. “I know during the enforced absence of the sport from the calendar our members will pull together, and our community will be an important focus for us all. I must underline our thanks to our organisers, officials, volunteers and staff for their support during these unprecedented times.”
The spokesman added ride organisers will be contacted and members will have entries refunded, while the board will be looking at ways to “boost” communication across Endurance GB’s social media channels including webinars and online training to maintain interest and focus on the sport.
The BHA said in a statement today (17 March) all racing in Britain is suspended from tomorrow to the end of April. This follows last night’s announcement the 2020 Randox Health Grand National Festival (2-4 April) was cancelled. Two race meetings remain scheduled to take place today behind closed doors at Wetherby and Taunton.
“The BHA took the decision to protect essential emergency services and the health and welfare of staff working in the racing industry,” said the statement.
“Racecourses and racing have obligations to ensure the safety of participants and provide medical cover which clearly cannot be fulfilled in these circumstances. This follows the new advice issued by government yesterday to combat the spread of the virus.”
BHA chief executive Nick Rust added the situation is a “national emergency” of which most have never seen before.
“We’re a sport that is proud of its connection to rural communities and to the local businesses that support our industry. But our first duty is to the health of the public, our customers and to racing industry participants and staff so we have decided to suspend racing following the government’s latest advice.
“Racing is a family and I know we will pull together over the coming days, weeks and months and support each other. By stopping racing, we can free up medical resources, doctors and ambulances, be they private sector or NHS, to assist in the national effort to fight this virus. And we can support industry participants and staff as they face personal challenges ahead and care for their own families.”
Mr Rust added there will be “difficult months” ahead for many.
“We need to focus now on ensuring that we can continue to look after our horses as the virus affects the thousands of participants and staff who dedicate their lives to caring for animals. We need to do what we can to support businesses inside and outside racing and the many people whose livelihoods depend upon this four billion pound industry,” he said.
The Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) announced today (17 March) the 2019/2020 season is now closed.
“This was a very difficult decision to make, recognising that many people’s livelihoods are involved,” said the statement.
“However the Prime Minister’s words made clear everyone should minimise social contact and non-essential travel. Furthermore our sport creates some medical burden, both on the course and potentially at the hospitals, where it would be unwelcome under the current circumstances.”
The statement added the PPA would like to thank everyone who has worked to keep this season going “so successfully” until now.
“We will be working on preparations to ensure we start next autumn in the same successful manner as last, and will soon be in touch with many of you for your thoughts and ideas,” said the statement.
A statement by the Hunting Office was issued to all masters and chairmen announcing all hunting would cease until further notice.
“This follows from the statement made by the Prime Minister yesterday. I realise that for many still hunting that this will not be a popular decision but hunting cannot be seen to carry on when all other social, cultural and sporting activities have been cancelled,” said a Hunting Office spokesman.
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While cancellations continue to be announced across the UK, good news came from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) where riding schools are planned to re-open this week.
“Beas River, Tuen Mun, and Pokfula riding schools will open on 19 March (Thursday),” said the HKJC statement.
“In order to ensure the on-going safety of all and to mitigate the risk of spreading infection, special measures will be in place until further notice. We thank you for your continued support and understand at this challenging time.”
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Having reached 12 seasons in the mastership, completing two as field master before that, and hunted our hounds for four seasons – and with 2020 bringing the 50th anniversary of my first day out with the Old Surrey and Burstow – I feel the time has come to call it a day and will retire on 1 May.
There is a new and ambitious team waiting in the wings and they deserve their chance to take things forward. The hunting landscape in the south-east is constantly changing, as it is up and down the country, and adopting new and fresh views along with continuing the good practice already in place has to be the way to go.
A teenager who wanted to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support after a schoolfriend was diagnosed with the disease took on a full day’s hunting without a saddle.
Hattie Cobden, 13, came up with the idea in support of her friend, who is undergoing a three-month chemotherapy programme, and whose family is to be supported by the charity.
Hattie’s mother Victoria told H&H the teenager does ride bareback at home sometimes – “but usually because she can’t be bothered to get her saddle out of the tack room!”
Hattie went out on her pony Snowy, with her father, Hursley Hambledon joint-master Simon, on 14 March.
“To him, I think it was more of an amazing thing to do; to her it was just ‘I’ll try to do this’,” Victoria said. “I don’t think she really appreciated how much difference it would make, but she did the whole day.”
Victoria said Hattie took on all the obstacles, including a large fallen tree estimated to be 1.10m high.
“Someone told her it was far too big to jump bareback, so of course she did!” Victoria said. “We were expecting her to be really sore the next day but she just said ‘no, why?’ and then rode in a pony race.”
Victoria said Hattie, whose original target was £400, has so far raised over £2,000, on her fundraising pageand elsewhere.
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“When she got to £950, she had an email from Macmillan to say that would pay for a support worker for two weeks, so she’s done enough for a month – that really hit home,” she said.
“She’s so pleased and I think it’s pretty amazing. We’ve had donations from people who don’t even know her but it’s a charity that means a lot to so many people.”
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Some people are just natural horsemen, says Tessa Waugh, as an old friend joins her for a day’s hunting and proves as (irritatingly) brilliant as ever – rocking an Edwardian nagsman look
There’s nothing like old friends, is there? The people you’ve known for years. Guy Landau was staying here this week having finished his first season as master and huntsman of the Meynell and South Staffs – like many they were forced to finish early due to the wet weather. Adam got to know Guy and his wife, Emma, about 15 years ago when he was hunting the South and West Wilts, bonding over a succession of table-sized steaks, lurchers and hunting.
Guy was riding show horses at the time for John Dunlop and would come out most days on a brilliant little horse called Bob The Cob, rocking an “Edwardian nagsman” look, short legs thrust forward in the old-fashioned style, roll-up on the go, opening gates for Adam and relishing being at the sharp end on a hunting day.
The skills instilled by hunting experience came to the fore in the inaugural Gaucho Derby – a 10-day, 500km “race” across the wilds of Patagonia run by the founders of the Mongol Derby.
Not only is the winner, Marie Griffis, heavily involved with the Big Sky Hounds in Montana, USA, but all the three British riders who finished in the top 10 of the 23 starters have strong connections to hunting.
Clare King, who was second, hunts with the VWH and has twice won the Old Berks hunt race on the ex-racehorse Ravens Brook. And joint sixth – although actually first across the finishing line – were Ledbury joint-master Louise Daly and Laura Redvers, wife of Louise’s joint-master David.
“It was a serious adventure,” said Clare, who has so far raised £8,000 of her £10,000 target for the Children’s Cancer and Leukemia Group.
“Was it fun? Absolutely, in retrospect! Scrambling up steep mountains, getting stuck in bogs and being wet, cold and lost in the middle of nowhere wasn’t exactly fun at the time, but it all made for a real adventure. The horses, scenery and great bunch of riders were fantastic, and wouldn’t we all just love to be a real Gaucho!
“Patagonia is one of the most remote and uninhabited places on earth, but the mountains were both brutal and beautiful in equal measure. The navigation was tough and having a pack horse to contend with added an extra dimension. The Criollo cross horses were fantastic. While perhaps not flashy or particularly fast, they were foot-sure and knew the dangers at times when we didn’t. Deathly bogs were our main fear and there were several very hairy moments. The terrain we asked these horses to cross was challenging – up and down near vertical slopes and traversing scree slopes with huge drops below. Forests were seemingly impenetrable at times. We often put our safety in their hands and they didn’t let us down.”
Louise said: “We were probably 1,000/1 even to finish the race, but we were proud to prove to everybody, and to ourselves, that if you throw us anything, we’ll get through it.
“Hunting people did fantastically well out there; we’re used to being in the saddle for long periods in all weathers.”
Louise and Laura, who were fundraising for the Midlands Air Ambulance, got to the finish line about five hours ahead of the rest of the competitors, but the delay to the race caused by a dramatic and unexpected snowstorm early on meant that the contest was determined by accumulative times over the stages, rather than a straight race to the finish.
Local gauchos helped guide riders to safe passage and an emergency shelter was created in a forest, with some riders, most of whom rejoined the race later, airlifted out as a precaution. Another keen British hunting man, Rob Skinner, was taken to hospital after being kicked in the face when his horse got stuck in a bog, but he returned to the action and finished in the “adventure” category of the race.
The pair, who have a combined age of 44, trailhunted together for years before retiring to enjoy their twilight years
“Mentally it was harder than anticipated, but physically we were ok – I think the Mongol Derby is more physical. We coped with the riding bit very well,” said Louise.
“We were only allowed to take 10kg of kit with us, and I suspect next year they will change that.
“We made fantastic friends – we’ll have to get them all to come to a Ledbury hunt ball at some point.”
If you wish to contribute to Clare, Louise and Laura’s fundraising efforts, please visit:
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The home was built in 1915 by the Clifford family. Traditional features include stone elevations with circular bays and chimney stacks. The original grand entrance and the principle reception rooms have been retained.
