Now that the hunting season is in full swing, Horse & Hound’s hunting correspondents and photographers are out in force visiting packs around the country.

Were you out with either the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale or the West Norfolk for their opening meets on Saturday, 1 November?

Were you identified as one of the young thrusters? Or maybe you are a hunt stalwart that gets a mention.

If so, why not take a look at some of the hunting pictures below taken by our photographers and see if you can spot yourself or somebody you know.

Blackmore and Sparkford Vale
The Blackmore & Sparkford Vale country is particularly sporting and requires riders to kick on to jump their large hedges and ditches across the mainly grassland country.

With strong family ties it’s a true farmers’ pack. All six joint masters either farm as a livelihood or come from a farming background.

(Pictures by Sarah Farnsworth)

Emily Matthews is on flying form

On the move: Helen Walter

Jonathan and Sarah Sprake with Charlie Sprake

Taking it easy

Joint-master Anthony Mayo leaps into action

West Norfolk

In contrast to the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale, the West Norfolk country has a lot of arable country. But with large ditches to cross, as well as hunt fences, it can be equally challenging. Considered to be one of the oldest established packs of hounds in the country, it still exists in largely unspoilt Norfolk countryside, without many of the pressures of modern Britain such as railways and motorways.

(Photos by Trevor Meeks)

Remie Powell in action

James and Lucy McEwan

Laura Oughten-Auker pops a fence in style

Daisy Vaugh-Jones and Flora Gregory

Laura Eyles in action

Don’t miss our full reports from both hunts in the 13 November issue of Horse & Hound magazine

To see the full range of pictures taken by our photographers, visit www.horseandhound.co.uk/galleries

Missing the warmer weather? Take a look back at our pictures of this year’s autumn hunting

The mythical vagaries of arranging the meet card are understandably lost on most hunt supporters, and indeed farmers. Organising a meet card in a heavily shot country rivals the logistics of an overseas invasion. There are notable exceptions; however, hunts who can arrange their meet card for the whole season in one hit tend to be those who benefit from lighter, often arable land, farms that are lightly stocked in winter, or moorland countries.

Keeping up with developments

Although meet cards generally follow a similar pattern, it can be necessary to ring the changes as new country opens, shoots increase (they rarely decrease) or existing country disappears under tarmac and concrete.

Closer to home we have developed a more flexible system over the past decade, which has been particularly useful in recent seasons when it has varied from day to day as to which area of our country was poking above water.

A master’s kitchen table during meet-card planning is a swirling Ouija board of shoot dates, meet venues, lists of important local events (don’t meet in Blankton on the day of the big wedding, for instance — sporting folk as they are, an impromptu bridal procession to the church with hounds in full cry might be too much).

Changing the venue of the opening meet should not be done lightly. Long Clawson, Kirby Gate, Worcester Lodge are all names that send shivers down a foxhunter’s spine.

However, enjoying one of your best pieces of country that can tolerate a maximum-sized mounted field is far more important than slavishly sticking to your traditional meet means hunting between the hard shoulder and the centre reservation with scant chance of a decent hunt. After all, the tempo will have been stepped up during October and now both huntsman and field-master will have the handbrake fully off.

Every farmer and keeper has to be treated individually as each will often have their own “house” rules. Few things are more rewarding than opening up new country and persuading a farmer to open his precious farmland to hounds and 80 horses for the first time.

Once you have been herded round the farmyard by the snappy sheepdog, much to the farmer’s amusement, introductions are generally easier and more relaxed.

Communication is key

Masters often become map-bores. Annotating farm boundaries on maps is best done in person on the farm Land Rover’s bonnet or better still, over a cup of tea.

Anything stronger in the daytime can lead to all sorts of diplomatic challenges, particularly when Farmer “B” realises his arch-rival and neighbour Farmer “A” has claimed several of his fields in red pen.

While most farmers gladly welcome hounds, a handful have genuine reasons to say no. Sadly I have found if there is an historically difficult farmer in a parish, it is often the same farmer who is also at odds with his farming neighbours, the parish council and anyone else who has the nerve to knock on the door.

Thankfully, there is often a change of wind as the farm passes down a generation, although handovers can take an age. In order to gain access to one farm in our country, five members of the same family have to be consulted individually. And don’t get them in the wrong order.

Good gamekeeper and shoot captain relations are imperative. The best keepers can improve a piece of country through increased access, local sporting relations and intimate knowledge of the area. The worst keepers can bugger it up completely.

Whereas a hunt has to look outwards to survive, shooting, on a shoot-by-shoot basis, has to look inwards to protect its boundaries and keep its birds. From the outset, communication is key.

As guardians of the countryside, farmers and keepers are the backbone of hunting. Their support should never be taken for granted and, unless a national emergency is about to occur, we should never be too busy out hunting to pass a few words of thanks.

The arrival of the meet card is always an exciting moment of great anticipation. Push your hat
down, kick on and don’t get left behind — the weather is turning and hounds will fly.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (13 November 2014)

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As the 10th anniversary of the passing of the Hunting Act approaches — on 18 November — Vote-OK is warning hunting people not to be complacent about the current survival of virtually all hunts in England and Wales.

George Bowyer, Director of Vote-OK, says a new anti organisation, “Campaign to Strengthen the Hunting Act”, is a compelling reason why hunting people should work for a Conservative victory at the impending general election. David Cameron is the only party leader offering a vote on repeal of the Act.

“Under Labour, the current status quo is the ceiling from which we would be precariously hanging by our fingertips,” said Mr Bowyer.

Tim Bonner of the Countryside Alliance added: “As we approach the general election, hunting remains an unresolved political issue that still needs to be solved.

“The Hunting Act has failed at every level. There has been no attempt by any anti-hunting organisation to show improvement in the welfare of the quarry species since the Act came in.”

After 22 attempts to ban hunting with hounds through private members’ bills, Labour introduced the first government bill to abolish the sport in England and Wales in 2001, but it ran out of time due to the Iraq war. Despite two major protest marches, and numerous other pro-hunting demonstrations, Labour reintroduced its Hunting Bill in 2004.

It was only passed on 18 November after the Blair government controversially used the Parliament Act to overcome objections from the House of Lords. It was enforced three months later on 18 February 2005. Former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair has since said he believed it was a mistake.

Scotland’s anti-hunting bill was passed in 2002, but the Northern Ireland Assembly firmly rejected an attempted bill to ban hunting in the province in 2010, and is currently the only UK area where traditional hunting with hounds is legal.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (13 November 2014).

To get the best out of hunting side saddle, prior lessons are a must. The number you need will depend on rider fitness and natural aptitude for riding sideways. There is no shortcut and even the most accomplished side saddle ladies hone their skills with lessons, as it’s easy to slip into bad habits.

Most people who ride regularly astride will pick up riding side saddle in a lesson or two and then it’s up to you how quickly you put your skills into practice on the hunting field.

Ideally, your horse should be used to taking a side saddle and schooled so the transition from walk to canter is seamless; trotting is uncomfortable for the rider and not good for the horse’s back.

“Udder judder is a ghastly sight. You need a really good bra, or two, and corsets are good to hold everything in place,” says Jinks Bryer, a side saddle instructor and the daughter of the late Betty Skelton, president of the Side Saddle Association for 30 years.

“A true side saddle horse will never lead on the left leg, preferring to canter only on his right” adds Jinks. “He will transit from walk to canter seamlessly and should canter in hand at pace with the hounds.”

When jumping, less interference from the rider often ensures a better jump.  You will both find it easier to jump off a longer stride out of a flowing canter; a bascule can be uncomfortable to sit to.  For this reason a thoroughbred-type will often be a better side saddle horse than a warmblood. Hedges tend to jump better than timber and, according to side saddle doyenne Martha Sitwell: “If you’re wrong go long, if you’re wronger, go longer!”

Finding the right meet

Hunting side saddle can be very social and people are pleased to see you.

Try to choose a suitable meet — ideally one that is not too hilly, and woodland with low branches is to be avoided for obvious reasons. You don’t want a long hack from home or parking before you start tour day either, so try to be dropped off at the meet or park close by.

Many hunts now hold specific side saddle days. The Quorn’s opening meet fields about 30 side saddle ladies from the UK and abroad. Your local hunt secretary should be able to tell you if your pack has a day planned.

What to wear and where to find it

A habit and a side saddle are the key elements — etiquette dictates the rest. Safety is a priority and those choices are yours.

Tradition dictates that a top hat and veil with hunting boots and one spur should be worn after the opening meet and the same with a bowler, tweed habit and tie and brown boots before the opening meet.

Many riders will nowadays change to safety helmets just before moving off. Light-coloured gloves should always be worn — dark-coloured gloves used to signify mourning and hence the wearer shouldn’t really be seen on the hunting field.

8 top tips for hunting side saddle

1. Have your saddle professionally fitted by a master saddler and ask them to check it internally. Most saddles are old and broken trees are common if they have been sitting in the attic for a long time. Ensure your straps are secure and in good condition.

2. Try to “go” with the horse, ride tight to the leaping head for a more comfortable day.

3. Core strength is key. Pilates, ballet or sit-ups will help to prepare you well.

4. To avoid getting a sore knee, bandage up your leaping head with vet wrap or a sponge.

5. Invest in comfortable pants — “no thongs”, according to Emma Brown of the Quorn.

6. “People tend to bang into you from the offside where your leg isn’t, so ensure your horse is used to a crowd,” stresses Belinda Wilkins, whose daughter Caroline hunts aside with the Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray.

7. Don’t try to open or close a gate. “Either jump it or get someone to do it for you,” says Lucy Holland, who took up hunting side saddle 13 years ago.

8. According to Jinks Bryer, if men approach you from the near side, “ignore them. You don’t turn left to talk to people when riding aside — your weight could damage the horse’s back.”

For more information, visit www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk

This article was first published in Hound & Hound magazine (13 November 2014)

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Zoe Gibson claimed her fourth Melton Hunt Club Ride on Sunday (16 November) — finishing a field ahead of the rest of the 24 finishers on her 2012 winner Jaffa.

The ride, which took place on a foggy morning in the heart of Cottesmore Hunt country, is run over two miles and was first held in 1956.

Up until the morning of the race, Zoe had planned to ride her multiple winner of the Harborough Hunts Club Ride, Tempo, but decided he felt a “bit flat” and brushed the mud off Jaffa, a nine-year-old by Carroll House, instead.

“He was mega today; I just switched him on and off we went,” said Zoe.

The Gibson domination of the annual race looks set to continue with Zoe’s 17-year-old daughter Harriet finishing third on Woody — two places better than their debut last year.

“I went very wide over the first two fences to keep out of trouble and lost a lot of ground there, but I just wanted a really nice ride,” said Harriet.

“I had to slow to a trot three strides out from Gibsons Gully [a big hedge with ditch towards sponsored by the Gibson family] because someone tripped and fell just before it, and Woody was amazing to go when I kicked him.”

In second place was Heather Moodie, who runs a hunter dealing and livery business in the Heythrop country.

With a high-quality field of 38 starters (pictured above right on their way to the start), the line up was as good as ever. Competing in the race for the first time in 10 years was Rowan Cope, joint-master of the Pytchley, who was in contention on ex-chase Wedger Pardy when taken out at the seventh fence but carried on to finish fifth overall.

For a full report and results of this year’s race, don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H, on sale Thursday 20 November.

Ten years ago today (18 November) the Hunting Act 2004 was forced through Parliament and three months later, on 18 February 2005 it became law. H&H reminds you of the important dates along the road to the ban coming into force…

1949

Two private members’ bills to ban or restrict hunting fail to make it onto the statute books.

1992

A private member’s bill to make hunting with dogs illegal is rejected by the Commons.
Labour MP Kevin McNamara proposed The Wild Mammals (Protection) Bill, which was defeated on its second reading.

1993

Tony Banks, a Labour MP and animal rights campaigner, failed to get his Fox Hunting (Abolition) Bill passed by Parliament.

1995

Another Labour MP, John McFall, fails with his private member’s bill to ban hunting. The Wild Mammals (Protection) Bill passes a second reading in the Commons before being heavily amended and falling in the Lords.

May 1997

The Labour Party wins the general election and in its manifesto promises a free vote in Parliament on hunting.

5 November 1997

Michael Foster MP publishes a private member’s bill to ban hunting with dogs.

1 March 1998

Countryside Rally in Hyde Park — 250,000 protest against the bill.

13 March 1998

The Foster bill runs out of time during the report stage in the Commons.

30 May 2000

Labour MP Gordon Prentice proposes an amendment to the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill to ban the sport.

28 February 2001

During a vote in the Commons, MPs vote by a majority of 179 for an outright ban.

26 March 2001

The House of Lords votes 317 to 68 against the ban. The hunting bill runs out of time when the general election is called.

June 2001

The Queen’s Speech promises another free vote on hunting in parliament.

February 2002

Scottish Parliament bans hunting in Scotland.

September 2002

400,000 join the Liberty and Livelihood March to support rural life.

3 December 2002

Alun Michael, the rural affairs minister, announces the Hunting Bill, allowing foxhunting under a strict licensing system, but which would outlaw hare coursing and stag hunting.

1 July 2003

After five hours of debate, MPs vote to change the Hunting Bill into an outright ban by 362 votes to 154.

10 July 2003

A third reading of the Hunting Bill clears the House of Commons, 317 votes to 145.

21 October 2003

A cross-party group of peers in the House of Lords throws out MPs’ plans for a complete ban and replaces them with a licensing regime for fox and stag hunting as well as hare coursing, during the committee stage. Anti-hunting MPs vote for a total ban on hunting with dogs in England and Wales, but the House of Lords rejects it in a vote before the legislation runs out of parliamentary time.

8 September 2004

Government announces plans for a free vote on the Hunting Bill — leading to an outright ban — before the session ends in November.

16 September 2004

MPs vote for a ban on hunting. A group of pro-hunt demonstrators break in to the House of Commons chamber while protestors are involved in confrontations outside Parliament.

18 November 2004

Commons speaker Michael Martin invokes the Parliament Act to push the bill into law despite the Lords rejecting the bill.

28 January 2005

A High Court challenge to the law is lost by pro-hunt campaigners.

16 February 2005

The Countryside Alliance loses its appeal that the Hunting Act is unlawful.

18 February 2005

The hunting ban comes into force.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (13 November 2014).

Ten years ago today (18 November 2004), the hunting world was facing a very different future for their sport following the forcing of the Hunting Act 2004 through Parliament.

After many years of debate in both the House of Commons and the Lords, no outright decision on the future of hunting was made. On this day in 2004, Commons Speaker Michael Martin invoked the use of the Parliament Act to push the bill into law. The Hunting Act 2004 came into force three months later on 18 February 2005.

At the time, Horse & Hound recorded the anxiety of its readership over the prospective ban and talked to those involved with hunting about how they believed hunting would continue under the new law (pictured top). Despite the changes, the hunting fraternity remained upbeat and vowed to fight for repeal of the act while working within the law in the meantime.

Since the ban was enforced on 18 February 2005, registered hunts in England and Wales have carried out more than 150,000 days hunting.

Data from the Ministry of Justice from 2005-2013 shows that although 341 people have been convicted of Hunting Act offences, just 21 of those people were involved with registered hunts.

Tim Bonner, director of campaigns at the Countryside Alliance, said: “The determination of hunts, and the continued support of the wider rural community, has ensured that hunting is still thriving 10 years after the Hunting Act was passed, but the law has proved just as unworkable, pointless and wasteful as we predicted.

“A law which was passed because of MPs’ obsession with fox hunting has been used almost exclusively to prosecute poachers. A law which was supposed to be about animal welfare has not reduced suffering or stopped foxes being killed. A law which was supposed to be ‘straightforward and enforceable’ has continued to create confusion in the courts and waste hundreds of hours of police time.”

Those opposed to hunting thought the ban would force those involved to pack up and do something else with their time. Yet a decade on, the sport remains as well-supported as ever with more than 300 hunts still going strong. There remains a determination from those involved to overturn what is deemed to be an illogical, badly drafted and unfair law. Who knows what lies ahead in the next 10 years?

Enjoy more hunting articles from Horse & Hound

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Charges against a West Country hunt have been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The charges related to alleged incidents of hunting with dogs against the huntsman and two joint-masters of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds.

Donald Summersgill, Rupert Andrews MSH and David Greenwood MSH faced a total of four charges relating to alleged incidents on 14 September and 24 October 2013.

Avon and Somerset CPS brought the charges based on unauthorised covert surveillance evidence supplied by the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS), however the defendants solicitors were advised last Thursday (13 November) that the charges had been dropped.

A previous prosecution involving Mr Summersgill and other Devon and Somerset Staghounds members collapsed before trial in 2009.

“This case has always been fundamentally flawed and the decision to bring charges was very difficult to understand,” said Tim Bonner of the Countryside Alliance.

“Avon and Somerset CPS have brought three prosecutions based on LACS covert surveillance in the past two years and all three have now failed.

“It has taken far too long, but at least now the CPS has finally stood up to the inappropriate pressure being exerted by animal rights organisations and saved the taxpayer the cost of a lengthy and pointless trial.

“The Devon and Somerset Staghounds have continued to research and manage the deer of Exmoor since the Hunting Act came into force nearly 10 years ago. After this second failed prosecution against them it is time for everyone to accept that their activities are entirely legal.”

Earlier this year charges against two other hunts were dropped.

Charges under the Protection of Badgers Act against three men connected to the York & Ainsty South Hunt were dropped on 8 September.

The case, brought by the CPS, followed on from an allegation made by hunt saboteurs that the accused were interfering with an active badger sett during a meet at Escrick Park, near Selby, North Yorks on 28 December 2013.

The same month the CPS confirmed that all charges relating to members of the Melbreak Hunt — including their huntsman Edward Liddle — were also dropped following an offence that allegedly took place under the Hunting Act and Dangerous Dog Act in Buttermere, Cumbria on 9 March.

The park at Belvoir is swathed in the russet and golden raiment of autumn. Despite the first frost of the year, the trees still stubbornly cling to their foliage.

Walking out hounds is a pleasure at this time, before the dark mornings set in. Some puppies from the early litters have returned from their walks. The early morning chill sharpens their senses and has them on their toes. They quickly learn where mischief is to be found — foxes, deer and hare having spent the previous few hours in the quiet of the night, leaving their scent and giving young hounds ample opportunity to demonstrate their enthusiasm and potential.

Autumn is my favourite time of year, not least because it signals the imminence of the open season. Early morning hunting provides much enjoyment, but each year, as the opening meet approaches, one does begin to look forward to it and the slightly less frenetic pace it provides.

It has been a dry year until very recently, in the east of the country anyway, and autumn hunting has been hard work with generally poor scenting. A little rain helped perk things up toward the end of October and the young hounds are hunting very well indeed, displaying the necessary inherent capability.

Hot dry conditions are the reason for the early morning meets during autumn. Hounds, especially the young entry, need every assistance nature can provide. The cooler, early morning temperatures and — with luck — a little dew are most beneficial.

Some, usually inexperienced if enthusiastic, hunt subscribers view early meet times as a loss of potential revenue, but this is missing the point.

Like having good staff or quality feed and discharging hound exercise properly, autumn hunting should be seen as long-term investment to ensure a good season, thus guaranteeing subscription cheques for future revenue.

So by the time the opening meet arrives, horse and hound should be ready for the “off.”

What of the riders? The Belvoir hunt decided to run a pre-hunting course to “stiffen the sinews and summon up the blood”.

The resulting statistics don’t sound too promising, with a third of those attending hitting the deck. One of the showjumping tumbles involved the jockey getting her leg wrapped round the post and rail fence surrounding the arena.

And, as if to prove that straight lines (the Belvoir way) are safer than circles, one managed to crash and burn during a dressage session, resulting in four broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder. A salient lesson in not buggering about if ever there was one!

It was pleasing that after the application of various liniments and embrocations all made it to the start line on the big day.

Pedigree counts

By now the thoughts of those responsible for the breeding of hounds will be focusing on
the pedigrees and abilities of potential stallion hounds and which bitches to “put to”.

At Belvoir, the Duke has hounds from two tail female lines that are particularly long. The tail-female line runs from dam (mother) to dam (mother). One recedes to Trinket 1801, who was a gift from Lord Fitzwilliam. The other to Belvoir Fanny 1793, and although some pedigrees from this time are missing, it is thought this goes back to Duchess 1756 (out of His Grace’s Rival). Remarkably, all were born, kenneled and entered at the Belvoir kennel.

To put it in perspective, 1801 was the year of the Acts of Union and by 1759, Handel was top of the pops with his Messiah and Mozart was in his infancy.

This means two things: that many people have taken great care over the years not to lose these lines, and that they (the families) must be (and are) considered extremely good.

There are of course other valuable lines in the Belvoir kennel, but each year one or two extra bitches are put to, to ensure that “An act of God” does not deprive us of something that cannot be measured in gold.

Unlike, for example, the huntsman’s wage, which should be measured exactly thus, preferably in large quantities!

Were you out with either the West Percy Hunt for their opening meet on Saturday 1 November, or the Tiverton Staghounds on Saturday 25 October?

If so, why not see what H&H’s hunting correspondents enjoyed about their visit to your hunt country and see if you got a mention. Take a look at the pictures in the gallery below to see if you can spot yourself or anyone you may know.

West Percy
With their permanent pasture and hill ground on the south and east side of the Cheviot Hills, the West Percy is sometimes know as “The jewel of the north”. Laying adjacent to the Border Hunt to the west, the College Valley to the north, the Percy to the east and the Morpeth to the south, they hunt on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Pictures by: John Grossick

Grand National winning jockey Tony Dobbin with his wife Rose, a National Hunt trainer, and their daughter Nancy

Poppies are out in force with the West Percy

West Percy huntsman George Trotter

Little and large: Gail Gray with Ellie Gray on her grey pony

Joint-master Kirsty Hargreave also helps to whip-in

Tiverton Staghounds
At the other end of the country, the Tiverton Staghounds are one of just three staghound packs in the UK, all of which are based in Devon or Somerset. Hunting within the confines of the Hunting Act 2004, the staghounds have adapted their hunting methods, just like the foxhounds, harriers, bassets and beagle packs have.

Pictures by: Sarah Farnsworth

Tiverton Staghounds huntsman Andrew Herniman with hounds at the meet

Mia Williams with her smartly turned-out mount

Shaun Carter, Rob Clements, Emma Burrough, Pauline Hopper and William Hopper line-up

In the heart of the country

Don’t miss the full reports from both hunts in the 20 November issue of Horse & Hound magazine

To see the full range of pictures taken by our photographers, visit: www.horseandhound.co.uk/galleries

Read more hunting reports:

Were you out with the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale or West Norfolk? [PICTURES]

• 15 November, 2014 - 13:22

Now that the hunting season is in full swing, Horse & Hound’s hunting correspondents and photographers are out in force …Continue reading »

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Never been hunting, but would love to have a go? H&H explains how to get started and answers your questions …Continue reading »

A group of hounds have been killed after running onto a railway line in Devon on Saturday (22 November).

Thirty hounds from the Dartmoor hunt found their way onto the tracks between Langham Levels and Fardel Bridge (not pictured). Six of them were then hit by a passing train.

Tom Lyle, joint-master of the Dartmoor, has called it a “distressing and regrettable incident”.

“Nothing like this has ever happened to the hunt before and it was very upsetting to all involved,” he added.

A Network Rail spokesperson confirmed to H&H that at around 12.15pm on Saturday police rung to inform them that 30 unaccompanied hounds were on the line at Ivybridge.

“Sadly, at around the same time a train travelling through the area collided with six of the dogs, all of which died as a result of their injuries,” the spokesman said.

“Our staff attended the site as soon as they were able and worked with police to try and locate the other dogs and remove the remains from the track.”

This is the second fatal incident involving trains this week. On 19 November a group of 12 horses were killed after escaping onto tracks in Cambridgeshire.

The British Transport Police put out an appeal after the incident to try and trace the owner of the horses who had not come forward.

“We are very keen to find out who the horses belong to,” sergeant David Barker said.

“At the moment it is not clear how many horses died in the incident, however, we now believe that at least 12 were killed.

“We just can’t ascertain how the horses got onto the line, there doesn’t seem to have been any obvious access point, but we’re keeping an open mind.

“If anyone has any information, which they think that could help us in our investigations please get in touch.”

Anyone with information about the incident in Cambridgeshire is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B2 of 20/11/14. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11.

Do you know the difference between a foxhound and a harrier? If not, take a look at the reports from two of H&H’s hunting correspondents who have been out and about in Devon recently.

Why not check if you can see yourself or anyone you know who was caught on camera by our photographers with either the Dart Vale & South Pool Harriers or the Stevenstone Hunt?

Dart Vale & South Pool Harriers

Covering the southern most peninsular in Devon, this well-supported pack enjoys an active social calendar. Approximately 30 couple of West Country harriers are kept at their kennels near Totnes. Their hunt country is bordered by the River Avon to the west and the River Dart to the east, with adjacent packs being the Modbury Harriers, the Dartmoor and the South Devon. The Dart Vale Harriers amalgamated with the South Pool Harriers in 1991 however those two packs date back as far as 1840.

Jane Pengelly, Kaye Wotton, Harriet Foale, Bea Foale and Ian Hargreaves are ready for some action

Followers enjoy breathtaking views

Tara Bashford and Amber Wotton looked wrapped up for the weather

Followers head over the hill

Harriet Foale and Rosie Elliot pick up some speed

Matt Darke looks in high-spirits

Harriers tackle the kale

Stevenstone Hunt

At the northern side of the county of Devon, the Stevenstone’s large country has the Atlantic as its northern boundary and adjacent packs include the Tetcott, South Tetcott, Eggesford and Torrington Farmers’.

Lucy Coles, Angela Horne and Nicky Prouse are smartly turned out for the meet

Rosemary James’ tub of treats is a proving quite a draw at the meet

Meg Furse

Jaz Lee and Becky Allen

Daphne Beasley’s mount looks in fine form

For a full report on both packs, don’t miss the 27 November issue of Horse & Hound magazine, out tomorrow

To see the full range of pictures taken by our photographers, visit www.horseandhound.co.uk/galleries

Take a look at more hunting pictures from Horse & Hound

Were you out with the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale or West Norfolk? [PICTURES]

• 15 November, 2014 - 13:22

Now that the hunting season is in full swing, Horse & Hound’s hunting correspondents and photographers are out in force …Continue reading »

Were you out with the West Percy or Tiverton Staghounds? [PICTURES]

• 22 November, 2014 - 10:03

If you were out with either the West Percy Hunt for their opening meet on Saturday 1 November, or the …Continue reading »

From one of hunting’s most popular hunt countries in Leicestershire to a small pack in Wales that hunts more often on foot than they do on a horse, the H&H hunting correspondents continue to visit hunts around the country to find out exactly what fun can be had. We find out who the characters are and how the hunt operates from week to week.

Were you out with either the Cottesmore or the Towy & Cothi recently when our reporter and photographer came to visit? If so, why not take a look at some of the pictures below to see if you can see yourself or anyone you know.

Cottesmore

The Cottesmore country, still as popular as ever with the hunting fraterity, lies in Leicestershire, Rutland and Lincolnshire, stretching 18 miles north to south and 22 miles east to west. In the heart of hunting country, the Quorn, Belvoir and Fernie are some of the neighbouring packs.

The first records of hounds hunting foxes in the Cottesmore (pronounced Cotsmore) country, dates back to 1666 and they continued to hunt legally until the Hunting Act 2004 was passed. Complying with the law, the hunt now uses a combination of laying trails and flushing to a bird of prey for the bird itself then to hunt.

Pictures taken by Peter Nixon

A member of the Household Division enjoys a day out with the Cottesmore

Louise Sophia

Monica Tebbutt-Wheat

Harriet Walker

Margo Benoit

Nick Wright and Roger Weatherby

Roger Weatherby

Towy & Cothi

The Towy & Cothi, based in north Carmarthenshire in Wales, is named after the two rivers that offer its boundaries. Founded in 1914, this is predominantly a gun pack, hunting on foot two days a week but with a mounted field on Saturdays. Although not experiencing the large fields seen in the Shire packs, this pack has a very loyal following on foot, on horseback and even on quads.

Pictures taken by Peter Nixon

The Towy & Cothi followers enjoys impressive views

Huntsman John Hughes

The field heads through dramatic country

Stamina is needed to cope with the hilly Carmarthenshire country

Holly Harris

Lidia Morgan

Rosemary Cookson and Amy Powell

Crowds gather outside the Neuedd Arms

Angharad Jones on Mr Panache and Samantha Jones and Ffion Jones at the Neuedd Arms

Don’t miss our full reports on both packs in the 4 December issue of Horse & Hound magazine

To see the full range of pictures taken by our photographer, visit www.horseandhound.co.uk/galleries

Take a look at more hunting pictures from Horse & Hound

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• 26 November, 2014 - 17:08

Take a look at the reports from two of H&H's hunting correspondents who have been out and about in Devon …Continue reading »

Were you out with the West Percy or Tiverton Staghounds? [PICTURES]

• 22 November, 2014 - 10:03

If you were out with either the West Percy Hunt for their opening meet on Saturday 1 November, or the …Continue reading »

Were you out recently with the Kimblewick Hunt when they met in Bishopstone on the day the Horse & Hound hunting correspondent visited?

If so, why not have a look at the pictures below to see if you were spotted by our photographer (who managed to make it to the meet despite a collision with a bridge en route).

Take a look at the Kimblewick in pictures

Photos by Nico Morgan

Tina Barber gives a tiger trap plenty of air

Kate Howlett and Stan

Bobby Howard Jones jumps behind Rod Wilson

Julian Price joins the tumblers club

The Berkeley tawny yellow livery is worn by hunt staff

Richard Roberts

Alex Jackson, son of joint-master Helen

Terence Smith flies a hunt rail

Looking smart at the meet

Majid and Fiona Mohammadi

Mother and daughter Amanda and Sue Parker

Jane Davies multi-tasks

The meet at Standalls Farm

The Kimblewick Hunt covers parts of six counties — Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire — and is roughly the size of Cornwall. With such a large country, the terrain is varied but includes woodland areas, plough, grass and heathland, with one of their most popular grassland areas being in their Vale country which surrounds the kennels.

The country is well-fenced, with plenty of jumpable hedges and hunt jumps which makes it accessible and good to cross.

The hunt was previously known as the Vale of Aylesbury with Garth & South Berks, however was renamed after the village where the kennels are located, in 2010.

The Vale of Aylesbury was formed followed an amalgamation of the Old Berkeley, Hertfordshire and South Oxfordshire Hunts, while the Garth and South Berks Hunts also joined forces, before they were all united in 2002.

The hunt staff wear the distinctive tawny yellow livery of the Old Berkeley, while masters wear the same colour yellow collars on their hunt coats.

With a solid mastership and great support, the Kimblewick Hunt is well worth a visit.

For the full report on H&H’s visit, see our report in 11 December issue and take a look at the full gallery at www.horseandhound.co.uk/galleries

Aurora Eastwood reports on this year's Royal Wessex Yeomanry Ride, held at Worcester Lodge, Badminton by kind permission of the Duke of Beaufort

The dare devil riders who sign-up for the Royal Wessex Yeomanry race are in for two-and-a-half miles of fences typical of those found on the hunting field. It was held again this year at Worcester Lodge, Badminton by kind permission of the Duke of Beaufort — and Sara Beamson donned a headcam to give us all a taste of the action.

Captain Douglas White used the experience of coming second in last year’s race to win this year’s Yeomanry ride. A varied field of 30 started, mounted on all manner of horses from ex-racehorses to gun horses, Irish hunters and a couple of cob-types.

The most daunting of fences, the wall off the road with a hefty drop, had no casualties this year, with no fallers or refusals. A shout of “I did it!” rang out from a delighted lady rider as she landed safely, to supportive laughter from the assembled crowd.

As the field powered on up to the fifth — a wall with a rail on top — the sharp crack of hooves clipping timber echoed, like gunfire, across the beautiful parkland of the Badminton estate.

This fence claimed Captain Clare Blackiston, of the Royal Horse Artillery, riding Esme. However being the first faller does have its upside — she won the Bobby Faulkner memorial bottle. One can always rely on alcohol to soften the blow.

The field was rather more spread out by the last, the leaders still with plenty of fuel in the equine tanks, whereas one or two of the remainder perhaps ought to have been pulled up — notably the horse who was travelling so slowly he landed square in the brush, pecked heavily and deposited his rider, Major Johnny Lea on the floor.

Captain Douglas White, ex-Queen’s Royal Hussars (he left the army in 2013 and is now farming) was delighted to have made good on his runner-up position of last year with his own Bringbackthebiff.

“I have pointed him and he went a bit sour. This seems to have rejuvenated him though!” he said. “I bought him from Edwin O’ Grady and he now hunts every season with the Beaufort.”

Plans for the future? “I want to do more hunt rides. Definitely! When’s the next one?”

Read the full reports from this year’s Royal Yeomanary Race in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (11 December 2014)

Hound puppies have buckets full of mischief and rarely a grain of malice, but I have never considered their telepathic talents until recently. Save for the odd weekend break (probably to regain some of the puppy walkers’ sanity or re-landscape the garden), kennels had been free of hound puppies for several months. Yet within a couple of hours on Monday morning the whole of one litter of puppies, neatly spaced around our hunt country, were coming back to kennels.

Our long-suffering puppy walkers have been joined by several new recruits this year, so, not wishing to seem ungrateful, I fixed a smile and welcomed them home. As ever the walkers have done a fantastic job and all of the young hounds bounded into kennels, looking a million dollars. Once properly settled they will be walking out and eager to begin the next stage of their education.

Planning ahead

Hunt committees should be addressing their mastership arrangements for next season shortly. They will need to confirm whether the incumbent team (or a variation thereof) will remain in office, or if a completely new team is required. The committee needs to consider carefully what sort of arrangement best suits the country, its finances and expectations in order to produce top quality sport and a happy ship — not just whether to have an amateur or professional huntsman.

Avid H&H readers will know that the opening meet normally heralds the first wave of adverts for next season’s masterships. The next wave is generally in January — the traditional month for any job-related blues — and there are usually a few last-minute affairs just before Hunting’s Advent on 1 May.

Due to hunting’s seasonal nature, it is surely the only area of life which demands such a long “play-out” after notice is given — no City-style “gardening leave” here. Indeed for most professional hunt staff and masters, the majority of the actual hunting season is normally post-notice.

This can produce all manner of scenarios — an awkward few months, a never-ending testimonial, a wonderful last hurrah, prolonged tears and laughter. In any event, as it is necessary for new masters and staff to bed in before the season starts, it is still probably the best system.

With the pressures of a modern life and a 21st century mastership, the Hunting Act notwithstanding, the average mastership length is thought to be three seasons. Much is made about short terms in office. However, any glance through Baily’s Hunting Directory shows that brief masterships are nothing new. At least packs of hounds aren’t bought and sold with every change of master any more.

Long, successful masterships are of course highly preferable for the happiness of a hunt country, and still exist today in many parts.

When I took office I recall being told in no uncertain terms by a highly respected hunt chairman, now a Peer of the Realm, that I was about to take on the most important responsibility of my life, namely the guardianship of a pack of hounds and a hunt country.

As I had only had a couple of jobs previously, was unmarried and had no known dependents, save for Poppy, my faithful terrier, I thought it was worth the risk. Fourteen years, a family and a receding hairline later, I think both the noble Lord and I were (almost) right.

Fact or fiction?

Hunting’s bush telegraph buzzes at this time of year with news of who is moving where, sometimes even before the protagonists know about it. Last summer I learnt with amusement that I was not only moving to a particular vale country 200 miles from Sussex, but also that I had recently met with the chairman and the committee, who were equally delighted.

It took some time to convince the various newshounds that I wouldn’t know the aforementioned chairman if he walked in the room.

When looking to move it is important to remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side, although the view may be more appealing. Hunts tend to fall into two categories — those with a generally positive, friendly outlook on events and, sadly, those who stumble gratuitously from one hunt row to another. Careful research is essential.

Now the temperature has dropped and once again we have suffered a biblical amount of rain, hounds have found their top gear and our maximum sized mounted fields are enjoying the good going. “Where do they all come from?” my much-missed late joint- master used to bellow in puzzled amazement. As long as the farmers can take it, I think it is rather good.

Ref: H&H 11 December, 2014

The hunting community has welcomed the news that the sport will continue to be an important topic in Europe with the re-establishment of the ‘Hunting Intergroup’ in the European Parliament.

The Parliamentary Intergroup on Biodiversity, Hunting and Countryside is a group of MEPs from across the political spectrum who have an interest in the issues.

As is normal, the Intergroup was dissolved before the 2014 European Elections, but with hard work from the European Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation (FACE) — including the Countryside Alliance — it has now been reformed.

The re-establishment of the Intergroup was supported by over 100 MEPs from all political groups in the European Parliament, 15 from the UK, and is one of 29 Intergroups approved from 70 proposed.

The final approval was taken last week by the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents of the political groups.

James Legge, of the Countryside Alliance, said: “The Intergroup, which has existed since 1985, is one of largest and most active in the European Parliament, contributing to debates on wildlife conservation and management, firearms legislation, public and animal health policies and rural issues.

“It plays a vital role in ensuring that hunting is represented at the heart of European decision making and the strong support from MEPs is a recognition of the important role that hunting plays within the European countryside.”

In November the sport celebrated surviving 10 years after the Hunting Act was forced through Parliament.

Despite the changes, the hunting fraternity remained upbeat and vowed to fight for repeal of the act while working within the law in the meantime.

Since the ban was enforced on 18 February 2005, registered hunts in England and Wales have carried out more than 150,000 days hunting.

Were you out recently with either the Vine and Craven in Hampshire or the Duhallow Hunt in Co Cork, Ireland, when the H&H hunting correspondents paid a visit? If so, why not take a look at the pictures below to see if you were spotted by our photographers.

The Vine and Craven

Covering west Berkshire, north Hampshire and a small part of east Wiltshire, this pack meets for trail-hunting twice a week — on Tuesdays and Saturdays — throughout the season.

Those hunting with the Vine and Craven can enjoy small mounted fields during the week, enabling those out to enjoy being able to watch hounds and benefiting from the friendly and welcoming reception they pride themselves on.

Their country is made up of open country in Berkshire including the Marlborough Downs that contrasts greatly to the vastly wooded areas in the south.

The hunt was formed in 1968 by an amalgamation of the Craven Farmers’ Hunt and the Vine Hunt and their kennels are located in Hannington in Hampshire.

Kirsty Adams

Caroline Sykes

Secretary Clare Heald

Claire Ashcroft

Emily Brown

Henry Tett and Christina Dunlop

Joint-master Angus Marshall

Continued below…

Were you out with the Kimblewick Hunt? [PICTURES]

• 10 December, 2014 - 09:55

Were you out recently with the Kimblewick Hunt when they met in Bishopstone on the day the Horse & Hound …Continue reading »

The Duhallow

With their kennels based in Co Cork in southern Ireland, this is the oldest pack of foxhounds in the country, having existed prior to 1745.

The country covers 30 miles north to south and 36 miles east to west and is known to have some of the most formidable country to cross, including hairy banks with ditches either side which are mostly found in the western hunt area. The going can be heavy so a horse with stamina and quality is required to stay up with hounds.

A Duhallow hound waits patiently beside huntsman Ger Withers

Mary Steadford and Bets Coleman

Roger Kiely, Polly Portwin, Rory O’Brien MFH and field master Maurice Coleman

Whipper-in Finbarr Fehin

The Duhallows hounds have a largely Old English pedigree

Don’t miss our full reports from both hunts in the 18 December issue of Horse & Hound magazine

To see the full range of pictures taken by our photographer, please click on www.horseandhound.co.uk/galleries

A quarter of a million people are expected to turn out this time next week (26 December) to support hunts on their biggest day of the calendar — the Boxing Day meet.

More than 300 meets will take place across the country next Friday — more than 10 years after the Hunting Act was passed by parliament.

Boxing Day meets have traditionally drawn huge crowds, both mounted and on foot, to enjoy the atmosphere and pubic appetite has not dwindled since the ban.

Countryside Alliance executive chairman Barney White-Spunner said: “Ten years after the Hunting Act was passed in England and Wales more than 300 hunts are still here and still hunting.

“Support for hunting is a strong as ever because people are determined not to bow to this prejudice.

“The Hunting Act does not protect foxes or other quarry species and has achieved nothing other than to waste hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money and thousands of hours of police time.”

While hope of the current coalition changing the law has faded support groups are now focusing their attention on the future government.

“The next government, of whatever political colour, needs to accept that the Hunting Act is not working and repeal or replace the Act,” Mr White Spunner added.

H&H’s hunting editor Polly Portwin also recommends supporting your local hunt on Boxing Day.

“Hunting on Boxing Day is the perfect way to burn off any excess calories consumed so set the racing on record, go out hunting then enjoy your cold turkey in front of the fire later on while watching the King George re-plays,” Polly said.

If you are heading out to your Boxing Day of New Year meet and you’re handy with a camera don’t forget to send your photos into H&H.

We will be featuring a picture gallery from Christmas meets around the country in our 8 January issue and we will be publishing images on the Horse & Hound website.

Please send in pictures of your local hunt to hhpictures@timeinc.com

Nearly everyone that has looked through the adverts in the pages of H&H will have seen the words “Irish hunter” or “hunted in Ireland” — and may have had the opportunity of going across the Irish Sea to buy a horse either privately or at auction. But what about the actual hunting? Is it the same wherever you are in the world or does it vary from country to country? I made the the trip to find out (pictured above).

How hunting in Ireland differs to the UK

1. Virtually everyone arrives in a trailer rather than a horsebox.

2. A good percentage of the field are riding horses four years and under — including those on hirelings.

3. Nearly every horse wears a neck strap and there is no shame in using it regularly.

4. There is massive camaraderie when members of the field have to cross a big bank or ditch, with shouts of encouragement being heard whether a stranger or regular subscriber.

5. Foxhunting isn’t banned so they don’t get prosecuted if they chase a fox and you can hunt them seven days of the week if you wish.

Continued below…

How to buy a hunter: 10 top tips

• 22 September, 2014 - 13:55

Struggling to navigate the hunters for sale on the market? Take a look at our advice for finding the perfect …Continue reading »

6. They can unload on the side of the road (or in a pub car park) and not have to worry about any consequences.

7. The general public are, on the whole, delighted to see hounds and those hunting and virtually everybody knows somebody or is related to somebody who hunts regularly.

8. Barely anybody carries a hunting whip — a short riding crop or a piece of blue alkathene pipe is standard (occasionally painted black or wrapped in black tape for lawn meets).

9. Falls tend to be much slower with fewer injuries, particularly in their bank country — a combination of softer landings and slower speeds.

10. Most Irish hunting people would expect to take a fall more often than those in England, Wales or Scotland — their Tumblers Clubs would be well-financed if they had them!

11. A lot of people carry their phones in freezer bags as standard in preparation for falling in a wet or boggy place.

12. In the UK, a good number of people will take a pull when they see a fence in anticipation of the top rail being broken, however in Ireland they kick on and want to get there first when the ground is at its best.