Hunts are being urged to remain calm but vigilant after several incidents — including one violent — with anti-hunting campaigners.
Last month (24 January) joint-master and huntsman Mike Lane was left with two fractured teeth and concussion following a clash between hunt saboteurs and members of the Tedworth.
Mr Lane claims he was kicked in the head by saboteurs when hounds were boxing up at the end of the day near Everleigh in Wiltshire.
Anti-hunt protestors from Bristol wearing balaclavas and face masks, and Southampton hunt saboteur groups, had been present all day.
“We were legally trail-hunting and the saboteurs had been following us all day,” a hunt spokesman said.
“At the end of the day, there was an incident in which our huntsman fell to the ground and was kicked in the head.
“There was a definite feeling of an increased level of hostility towards us, and the behaviour was more threatening than usual.”
The Countryside Alliance (CA) is urging hunts to write to their local police, crime commissioners and MPs about masked animal rights activists.
“There have been a number of attacks carried out by hunt saboteurs wearing combat style clothing with their faces covered by balaclavas or masks. Most perpetrators are never identified,” said Tim Bonner of the CA.
“The police do have powers to order the removal of face coverings, but they are not straightforward.
“Because the process is complicated, we believe police forces should be prepared to deploy these powers when animal rights extremists appear in their areas,” said Mr Bonner.
“Where police forces are prepared to use these powers, we believe that the likelihood of intimidation and public disorder is reduced.”
Another Hunting Act case, brought to court because of evidence supplied by the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS), failed in court today (Thursday 12 February).
Middleton hunt master and huntsman Tom Holt, 28, was found not guilty of a Hunting Act offence during a trial at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court.
Employees of LACS had filmed Mr Holt undercover on 19 February 2014 near Malton in North Yorkshire and made allegations of illegal hunting.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) brought the prosecution but after after a one-day trial a district judge ruled there was not enough evidence.
The court heard claims that the footage showed Mr Holt chasing a fox “with a pack of hounds as bugles blared”. Mr Holt maintained that the video had been taken while he was legally following a trail.
Tim Bonner, director of campaigns at the Countryside Alliance (CA), said: “This is the second failed hunt prosecution brought by North Yorkshire CPS on the basis of allegations made by LACS employees in a matter of weeks.
“We are increasingly concerned that innocent people are being dragged through the courts at the behest of animal rights activists, and that taxpayers have to pick up the bill.
“The police and CPS must urgently review their relationship with animal rights groups like LACS.
“Allegations made by biased witnesses based on unauthorised covert surveillance are no basis for a sound prosecution.”
Last month (21 January) another case brought by the CPS on LACS evidence collapsed at York Magistrates Court.
Two members of the Lunesdale hunt — Terence “Ted” Potter and Paul Whitehead — were both accused of one charge of hunting a wild mammal with a dog on 18 February 2014
However, following an application by the Lunesdale’s lawyer Stephen Welford, the magistrates ruled there was no case to answer as there was no evidence that either man was even present on the day in question.
As if taking a fall out hunting wasn’t shaming enough — there’s the prospect of having your misfortune enshrined in your hunt’s tumblers’ club. Cue the embarrassed emoticon.
Across the country armies of eagle-eyed spotters are on hand to take note when you make an unintentional dismount — whether it was your fault or a regrettable act of God.
At the Belvoir, over 18s have to pay £10 if they were unseated or £5 if their horse falls. And at the end of season supper, the much-coveted Belvoir Tumbler of the Year is announced. What an honour!
The Tanatside makes sure there’s no ambiguity when it comes to what happened on that fateful day, with each incident efficiently recorded — whether it was a “disagreement with a tree on landing” or the rider was “caught off-guard by a sudden change of direction, air bag went off in a puff of smoke”.
The Cottesmore‘s tumblers’ club is “dedicated to exposing the shameful errors made by those that should know better” — and certainly doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
“If you expect to be comatose for any length of time please have your wallet ready beforehand,” reads its website. “Feigning unconsciousness to avoid payment will not fool our experienced spotters; you have been warned.”
But while you’re nursing your bruises, soaking your mud-stained breeches and patching up your pride, you can rest in the knowledge that your fine has gone to a good cause — with the indispensable air ambulance often benefiting.
With the end of the season looming, there’s not too much longer to hold on tight…
We take a look at some of this season’s more spectacular tumbles:
This Ledbury follower is conveniently hidden by a hedge
Louise Daly MFH hits the deck with the Ledbury
Laura Redvers moments before she hits the deck, out with the Ledbury
The Cottesmore’s Richard Hunnisett MFH gets caught out
This horse is going solo with the Scarteen…
The mud takes its toll for the Scarteen followers
Hold on tight!
This South Durham follower makes an unintentional dismount
Note: Horse & Hound understands that no horses or riders pictured were seriously hurt in these falls
Ten years ago, the hunting world stood united as the ban was pushed through parliament and a decade later they are “still here and still hunting”.
In 2004, the Labour government used the Parliament Act to ensure opposition in the House of Lords could not scupper the 2004 Hunting Bill, backed in a free vote of the House of Commons.
However, despite concerns, the resilience of the hunting community has ensured that the sport has not only continued but also grown in support.
“We’ve had a very strong 10 years since the ban,” the Berkeley’s joint-master Henry Berkeley told H&H. “Numbers have increased as people have wanted to understand what hunting is about, have sympathised with our plight and enjoyed it enough to continue.”
“There is no doubt that support for hunting is as strong as it has ever been,” West Norfolk joint-master Charles Carter added.
“Hunting has a potentially bright future as we have a huge number of the younger generation getting involved with the sport and the lifestyle.”
Growing public support
There is evidence showing that the general public’s opinion on the ban is changing.
An impartial poll carried out by YouGov revealed that there has been a 10% drop in support for the ban from 61% to 51% in the past 10 years.
The Countryside Alliance’s Tim Bonner argues that this shift has been created as people understand the impracticality of the Act.
“The law has proved just as unworkable, pointless and wasteful as we predicted, and it seems the public is realising this fact,” said Mr Bonner.
“Nearly half of the people polled by YouGov do not support the Hunting Act, which gives us hope that repealof this illiberal and illogical piece of legislationwill happen.”
Figures released by the CA show that 341 people were convicted of Hunting Act offences between 2005 and 2013, but that only 21 of those are involved with registered hunts.
There has been heavy criticism of the cost to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) of cases being brought to trial.
The RSPCA has also come under fire for using public donations to fund prosecutions. In July, it was announced that the charity had seen a £7million drop in donations, but it denied this was related to its political activities.
No time for complacency
Despite the positive signs, hunt supporters are being urged not to be complacent and that the need for repeal is still vital and urgent.
“It would be a mistake to think that just because we have survived the past 10 years, we will be safe for the next decade. The legislation must be reworked if hunting is to survive,” Mr Carter added.
The Masters of Foxhounds Association’s (MFHA) Tim Easby told H&H: “Hunts are nothing short of outstanding in their determination to beat this ban. We must get this wretched ban repealed or replaced and get hunting back where it belongs, without further meddling from parliamentarians who know nothing and care very little about it.”
Were you out recently with either the Fitzwilliam (Milton) Hunt when the H&H hunting correspondent paid a visit? If so, why not take a look at the gallery below to see if you were spotted by our photographer.
Fitzwilliam (Milton) Hunt
Our correspondent visited this pack when hounds met at Morborne where the meet was hosted on the green by Mr and Mrs Nigel Rome on a frosty morning.
A family-owned pack, the Fitzwilliam hounds are kennels at Milton Park near Peterborough, the home of the Fitzwilliam family.
The family is currently represented in the mastership by senior-master Sir Philip Naylor-Leyland Bt. The huntsman George Adams has been in the role since 1984.
Hunting two days per week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the country hunted by the pack extends to approximately 600 square miles from Stamford in the north to Higham Ferrers in the south. The country straddles Huntingdonshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire.
Photos by Trevor Meeks.
Katie Kavanagh on Boomer the Percheron
Deanne Burgin on 19-year-old Haddon Hurricane, small riding horse winner at the Horse of the Year Show in 2004
Emily Clark, girlfriend of the Fitzwilliam’s part-time second whipper-in Josh Worthington Hayes, pops a rail on her neat little horse, Murphy
The Fitzwilliam’s superbly disciplined hounds, who are predominantly lemon and white Modern English, are a handsome pack for showing during the summer months.
15-year-old twin sisters Pip and Georgie Franks riding Hector and Nula are keen followers of the Fitzwilliam (Milton) Hunt
Joint-master Andrew West flies a rail with the highly experienced and superb hunter John who has hunted with a vast array of packs this year including the Pytchley and Cottesmore with a number of different riders, whilst his usual rider Edward Howard is travelling the world.
Ex-professional Flat jockey Nick Carlisle who is now a racecourse inspector for all of the Midlands courses flies a rail
Ten years ago, those charged with the everyday organisation of hunting were facing the unknown.
What had been a legal activity one day became illegal overnight, but those at the forefront had to keep the show on the road. Faced with adversity, the hunting community came out fighting and has continued to prove that the Hunting Act 2004 is an unworkable and bad piece of legislation that must be changed.
Keeping members of hunt staff positive, maintaining important bloodlines within kennels, and convincing farmers that there was still good reason to allow hunts to continue lawful activities on their land, while at the same time encouraging the young to pursue a career in hunting, all went on behind the scenes.
It was crucial to ensure that the new form of sport being provided to subscribers and supporters would sustain their appetites enough for them to continue wanting to renew their subscriptions. With the sport as popular as ever, this has to be considered a job well done.
Simply unacceptable
Being a master under the restrictions of the Hunting Act 2004 is not an easy role, but being a member of hunt staff is particularly challenging. Aside from the restrictions of the Act, there can be few other jobs in this world where a person has to suffer being pursued by total strangers, often wearing balaclavas and videoing their every move, in the hope that they break the law. This is simply unacceptable.
On behalf of all those who hunt, heartfelt thanks to those who have played their part in keeping our sport healthy and to ensure there is a future to look forward to.
There is a pub in Kennington called the Prince of Wales, tucked away in a nice little Georgian square. It’s where for years the Countryside Alliance team would retreat to celebrate and commiserate — something of a regular occurrence in those days.
And it was there that, on the night the Parliament Act finally brought the curtain down on 700 hours of Parliamentary debate on hunting, our forces gathered for the final time as champions of this lawful and historic activity.
As is the way of these things, the mood was surprisingly upbeat. We may have lost the votes but we had won the arguments; we had shifted public opinion, and we had changed the media attitude to hunting forever. But emotions ran high as the finality of that moment sunk in.
I took calls from some of the team who had been with us from the start. Sam Butler, Julian Barnfield, Patrick Martin all checked in — as robust as ever, but I sensed a feeling of overwhelming anger. Darren Hughes chirpy, Nicky Driver defiant, John Jackson unshakeable.
My chat with the Manns — who probably had given as much as anybody — lifted my troubled spirits and inspired me to return to the barricades to launch the counter attack.
There was no doubt that Labour had been damaged by this (as Tony Blair later conceded). It had revealed an unpleasant streak of vengefulness and prejudice that the New Labour project had sought to conceal. Our people, our quirky ways, our hitherto unseen communities had been bullied and ridiculed for no good reason that any truly independent observer could really fathom.
But it was this that was their biggest mistake. I can say now that before all of this kicked off, we knew that such was the weight of the Labour majority that our best efforts would still only delay, rather than avert, the inevitable consequence of decades of pent-up political aggression and attrition.
We knew that our fight back was possibly too little, too late, but crucial nonetheless. These aggressors had, for many years, never been countered at all.
We assumed — wrongly — that if we kept out of the political limelight, they would eventually leave us alone. So in some ways, now was actually our chance to put that right. They say that “time is the weapon of opposition”, so we set about creating that.
Constant political dog fighting — marches, demonstrations, stunts — all backed up by legal challenges provided us the time we needed to get the evidence to make the case. Liberty, welfare, economy, community, heritage and management all had their place in the mix. Each needed new and eloquent evangelists sweeping through the local and national media. There were meetings with Blair and his team in no. 10 that still remain unreported…
A decade after the Hunting Act came into force, hunts across the country are unanimous in their message — support …Continue reading »
And what about “plan b” — the “what if we are banned” scenario?
John Jackson said that there was no such thing as “plan b”, only a “plan a” that we should be prepared to adjust. He was right.
So “plan b” emerged rather by mistake. We had often talked about disobedience; indeed it split our ranks somewhat. What happened next was better than that. We had three months from November to February to get ready for “enactment”; just a few weeks to find loopholes (thanks to the rushed nature
of the final stages, there were plenty to choose from).
As I emerged from the steps of the High Court, confronted by a press pack that was normally reserved for fallen celebrities, and with the bitter taste of defeat in my mouth, I was asked, “what next?”.
Stumped for words, I simply said: “Keep fighting, keep hunting.”
And that is what happened. By the time we got to 18 February 2005 — the first day’s hunting under the Hunting Act — I knew we had them beaten. Everyone intact, thousands flocking to our cause, global media and an absolute determination that it would be “business as usual” has carried hunting from that day to this.
With or without repeal, the Hunting Act is dead. It died on 18 February 2005. What remains now is the need to give it a decent burial.
Dominic Gwyn-Jones emerged victorious from the Golden Button Challenge, which took place last weekend (14 February) for the first time since 2011.
Sixty-two horses and riders took on the hunt ride’s stiff test cross-country challenge over farmland near Tewkesbury. The course covered three miles and 25 obstacles, including hedges, ditches and rails, having moved from Forthampton to Longdon for this year.
The Ledbury’s Equine R-Oil and The Buying Solution Golden Button Challenge was a tough course, with muddy going, but 39 combinations completed.
Dominic (pictured below) rode 11-year-old thoroughbred Another Puzzle to his first hunt ride victory. He starting taking part in similar rides three years ago.
“You live for days like this,” he said. “This sort of race over natural country is the ultimate test.”
The first three from the last renewal of the race – Leicestershire’s Zoe Gibson, Dorset’s Catherine Atkinson and Wiltshire’s William Fox Grant – were all back in the line-up again.
Zoe Gibson and Tempo led from the start but fell at fence 11.
Catherine Atkinson and Ace, second in 2011, fell a couple of fences after Zoe. She was airlifted to hospital, but released later that evening with rib injuries.
William Fox Grant and Ferrari (pictured bottom) filled the runner-up spot.
“I had two stops at the same upright [11] where Zoe fell and was well behind, but he flew across the last few fields,” said William. “I nearly came down at the last when a horse stopped in front of me. The course was fantastic and it was beautiful going for the middle of winter.
“Ferrari is 14, but he’s been fantastic. He carried me into second, which is one better than last time [in 2011], so I’ll be back to win it next time.”
At the 12th fence Heather Moodie (right) leads Ben Tuckey with winner Dominic Gwyn-Jones waiting to make a move
Former Flat jockey Paul Scallan was third on the 13-year-old grey thoroughbred Los Galacticos.
Clerk of the course Tom Leeke, who finished 29th on Oliver, said: “The majority of competitors completed the course and I think it’s been a great success. Fence four [on a 90 degree bend] didn’t cause any of the problems that people predicted and the fences overall jumped really well. I wasn’t really racing, but Oliver was very clever and sensible and jumped past a few.”
Despite 39 combinations finishing, three horses died, two from heart attacks at the end of the race.
The eight Golden Button winners were:
Dominic Gwyn-Jones riding Another Puzzle – 1st overall
William Fox Grant riding Ferrari – 1st Veteran, 1st Military
Helen Luke riding Millie – 1st Lady, 1st Non-Thoroughbred
Tom Lancaster riding Empress Ming – 1st Heavyweight
Hugo Hunt riding Pepper – 1st Under-21
Sam Dukes riding Raleagh House – 1st Ledbury Hunt Subscriber
With the return of the Golden Button Challenge last Saturday (14 February 2015), whetting the appetites, there are plenty more opportunities for like-minded individuals to take part in hunt rides across the country over the forthcoming weeks — or for spectators to glimpse a piece of the action.
As well as the chance to hunt afterwards, some events are run in conjuction with a hunt scurry, a gate-jumping competition or the option to ride the course behind a field master at less-than racing-pace.
1. Ossman’s Ride
Take part in the 2.5-mile Cheshire Hunt Ossman’s Ride at Haughton Hall or enter a team of three for the Scurry over a shortened course of one mile. With hunting afterwards over some of the best of their hunt country (21 February).
2. Old Berkshire
The Old Berkshire is running both a hunt and a regimental race across a course of approximately 2-miles at Manor Farm, Little Coxwell (1 March). There is an alternative fun ride for those wanting to try the course following a field master.
3. Wynnstay
Choose your own line over the Wynnstay’s 2-mile course being held at Manor Farm, Wychough (7 March). The ride will be followed by a testimonial meet for their retiring huntsman Bert Loud.
Take a look at our pick of equestrian activities for adrenaline junkies — from side-saddle racing to riding across Mongolia …Continue reading »
4. Bedale
A 2.5-mile cross-country ride over the Bedale’s natural hedge and timber country at Yafforth Grange is to be preceded by a huntsman’s gate jumping competition at noon (8 March).
5. Harborough Ride
The Harborough Ride takes place over a grass course in the Saddington Vale, in the heart of the Fernie Hunt country on Saturday 21 March. Run over approximately 3.5miles, prizes are awarded for each of the three divisions — heavyweight, middleweight and lightweight. An alternative fun ride, following a field master, will take place after the main ride, over a shortened course of approximately 2 miles.
6. Isle of Wight Grand National
The Isle of Wight Grand National and Hunt Scurry takes place at West Ashey Farm in Ryde, in which competitors complete two laps of the left-handed course (29 March).
Don’t miss this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine for all the thrills and spills from this year’s Golden Button Challenge at Longdon, Glos
Despite 39 combinations finishing the cross-country challenge, including winner Dominic Gwyn-Jones (pictured), three horses died
A review into the Golden Button Challenge has been undertaken after three horses died at the cross-country race near Tewkesbury, Glos, earlier this month (14 February).
One horse broke its back and another two suffered suspected cardiac arrests after completing the race, which covered three miles and 25 obstacles.
Catherine Atkinson, who was second in 2011, was also airlifted to hospital after a fall but released later that evening with rib injuries.
The high number of fatalities led to some people questioning the safety of the competition, which was run for the first time since 2011.
However, the organisers announced in a statement that after considering “all aspects of the event” they could find “no cause” for the death of the three horses.
“The Golden Button Challenge is an enormously popular rural event that has attracted a vast crowd and a maximum field of runners in each of the six runnings,” the statement added.
“It was accepted in advance that all owners and riders would ensure their horses were fit and ready for a three-mile gallop across country and were responsible for the welfare of their mounts during the event.
“However, future entry forms will stress the need to ensure horses and riders are fit to compete in a test of this nature.”
One of the riders whose horse died of a heart attack after the race has praised the organisers of the event. She has released a statement and a picture (right) but has requested to remain anonymous.
“I had a fantastic ride around on my superstar ex-advanced eventer — he flew everything and loved every second,” she said.
“No one can doubt his fitness, as he probably finished more full of running than any other horse there that day.
“I sadly lost my superstar Georgie from a heart attack five or so minutes after he completed the course. But these things happen — if your time’s up, your time’s up — and, in my opinion, no better way to go.
“He was an old boy and had a great life, and I’m delighted he went out on a high doing what he loved. As you can see from the picture, he absolutely loved the game and was smiling with pricked ears posing for the camera literally seconds before he passed away.
“The Ledbury dealt with the situation as quickly and professionally as they could in the circumstances, and we could not be more grateful.”
Were you out with the Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt or the Essex and Suffolk Hunt when the H&H hunting correspondent paid a visit? If so, why not take a look at the gallery below to see if you were spotted by our photographers.
Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt
With their kennels in Badminton Park, a large part of the Beaufort’s hunting country is centered around this part of Gloucestershire. A private pack of hounds, it is financed by subscription, similar to the majority of other packs of hounds. The Dukes of Beaufort have been in the mastership since the title was created in 1682 and the hounds, kennels and stables still belong to them.
Charlotte Alexander and Will Cursham
Estate agent Rupert Sturgis, leading the field, is now in his 12th season as field master
Hon Hugh Roche and Rosie Roche
The Sturgis family (from right to left: Rupert, Beanie, Tor and Gail)
The Essex and Suffolk hunt is reputed to have been started by Sir William Rowley in 1791 with a pack of hounds purchased from the Duke of York. The kennels have been in their current location at Layham, near Ipswich, since they were moved there during World War II.
Daisy Huckstable and Caroline March
David Applin
Caroline March and Daisy Huckstable
Dan Spencer, Sarah Ely and Kate Over
The mixed pack of 18 1/2 couple includes modern-bred and Old English hounds
An e-campaign by the Countryside Alliance (CA) to highlight the issue of masked animal rights activists has resulted in more than 8,000 people writing to their local police crime commissioners (PCC).
The two-week drive came after several incidents — including one violent — with anti-hunting campaigners.
The CA has thanked the people that took part and sent letters to their PCC.
“Their support has made this a very successful campaign and shows the strength of feeling the countryside has about saboteur violence,” said the CA’s Tim Bonner.
The CA has had 20 responses from PCCs across the country as a result of the letters.
Anthony Stansfeld, PCC for Thames Valley Police, said he was concerned by any “intimidation in the countryside”.
“I agree that the wearing of balaclavas and facemasks, allied with paramilitary style clothing, is clearly intended to intimidate as well as hide the identity of violent protestors,” he added.
Martin Surl, PCC for Gloucestershire said: “I have concerns about the wearing of balaclavas and facemasks in the countryside and have already made public my support for a change in the law.”
However, some of the PCC’s responses have been less positive. More than 700 people from Sussex wrote to their PCC, but the written reply did not touch on the issue.
“The response from the PCCs has been mixed, with some taking the issue very seriously and others seemingly not interested,” Mr Bonner added.
“We shall be following up the issue with the police forces involved and it is clear that we need to work with them and the next government to ensure the legislation surrounding face coverings is fit for purpose.”
Were you out with the Old Berks Hunt or the Taunton Vale Harriers when the H&Hhuntingcorrespondent visited? If so, why not take a look to see if you were spotted by our photographers.
Old Berks Hunt
This Oxfordshire based hunt has a mixed country with grass, set-aside and corn crossed with timber and some hedges. The kennels are based near Faringdon and the hunt dates back to 1830 in its present form.
Kelly Gorman flies a hedge
Ben Elcock is new to the mastership this season
Matt Kean crosses the country with ease
Claire Matheson makes tidy work of an Old Berks hedge
88-year-old Geoff New, who still rarely misses a meet
H&H’s racing correspondent Marcus Armytage with his two oldest children, Arthur, 10, and Molly, nine
The hunt country which lies in Devon and Somerset is lent by the Taunton Vale Foxhounds and the Tiverton Foxhounds. The pack meets on Mondays and Thursdays and the harriers are hunted by Wayne Gregory.
Henry Farrant, host, with Debbie Banwell, master of the Taunton Vale Harriers
Michael Coate and John Cunningham. 66-year-old Michael has hunted with the Taunton Vale Harriers for 55 seasons.
Over the years Michael has hunted many young ponies. In 1968 he was part of the Prince Philip Cup-winning team at the Horse of the Year Show at Wembley. Later he successfully bred and trained his own pointers as well as others run under rules.
Rebecca Jordan, Nick Cooper, Ian Pinkum, Richard Gibbs, Caz Morrison and Paul Redwood
I recently read with interest an article in Racing Post by top National Hunt jockey Sam Twiston-Davies. In it he explains the rough and smooth of social media through his sport. On the plus side he acknowledges: “It was good in trying to raise your profile as a young jockey.”
He also points out that in his capacity as ambassador for the Crabbie’s Grand National, it is a vital part of being able instantly to communicate a message to thousands of people in a very effective way.
On the negative side, social media gives everyone the opportunity to voice their opinion, on anything from world politics and international sport to niche areas, such as National Hunt racing and hunting.
While free speech is encouraged by most of us, it is difficult to accept people’s views when they are delivered anonymously and when they are so personal and so unpleasant about it.
I recently ventured into this online world and was horrified. Horrified that some people were so hateful, that these sites [Twitter and Facebook] are so easy to view, and that on one in particular I was public enemy number one!
A great deal of what was posted on this particular site crossed the line of what most decent people would find unacceptable, and some of it — on perhaps more political sites — could well be viewed by the authorities as a potential hate crime.
One such rant from a “lady” in Brighton wrote that she would like to beat me to death with a golf club. Playing as I do off a handicap of 18, there have been occasions when I have wanted to beat myself to death with my own golf club, but that is for me to say, not her.
There were a frightening number of other posts that made for equally grim reading. One was about a member of ours who had a serious fall and who had been on a life-support machine. These people said they wanted to see her die from her injuries. It really is shocking and sickening that they are allowed to do this.
Proper regulation, please
It is obvious to me that we have to live with social media and embrace the best of it, but it has now to be regulated and policed effectively. Currently it is not. The reality at present is that individuals can incite hatred towards you and prejudice against you without fear of recriminations.
The line is clear to all right-thinking people on what is and what is not acceptable behaviour. For those who cross the line their sites should be closed down, their email account suspended or shut, and they should suffer the humiliation of having their Facebook sites taken down in a very public way (if indeed that is a humiliation to them).
They should be named and shamed. Whatever your view on hunting, we cannot allow such people to continue to write these hateful things, which have no substance, while hiding behind a made-up name.
What has happened to our society that this is considered — by some — to be the price we pay for the online revolution, and that there is little we can do about it?
Sam Twiston-Davies concluded his excellent article by saying: “You just have to take the negatives on the chin and ensure you come out of it as a better person and jockey.”
I feel it may be harder to take that piece of advice as a master of foxhounds than as a National Hunt jockey.
Have you been hunting in Wales with either the Curre and Llangibby or the Llangeinor Pentyrch Hunts when the H&H hunting correspondent paid a visit? If so, why not take a look at the gallery below to see if you were spotted by our photographers.
Llangeinor Pentrych
Following the recent amalgamation of the Llangeinor and Pentyrch Hunts, the two day per week pack now has a more viable country. With their kennels based near Bridgend, the hunt subscription is just £200 per year with no added field money — something that would be classed as quite extraordinary to subscribers to packs in the Shires.
Jane Jones, Richard Phipps and Rob Lewis
Andy Jones and Gail Pugh
Cyril Liley MFH with members of the field
Brian Hughes MFH with Mair Hughes and George Bowyer
Members of the field watching the hounds
Huntsman Mark Reynolds with whipper in Steven Pothecary
The result of another successful amalgamation of the Curre and the Llangibby Hunts in 2001, this pack enjoys hunting two days per week in their country in South Monmouthshire. A large percentage of grassland still exists within the country and accessibility has been enhanced by the construction of many hunt jumps.
Winter frost: Rupert Humphreys and his daughters brave the cold
Ireland didn’t garner the title “Land of the horse” for nothing. Whether it’s this year’s Cheltenham maestro Willie Mullins, the versatile Connemara ponies or the action of the Dublin Horse Show, there’s a lot to love about the Emerald Isle.
And what better excuse do we need than it being St Patrick’s Day today (17 March) to celebrate all things Irish and equestrian?
So grab yourself a Guinness, don an emerald sweater and get jigging.
1. Willie Mullins
Willie Mullins’ fleet of lorries arriving at Cheltenham last week for the Festival showed everyone that he meant business. And he didn’t disappoint. On the first day alone, the County Carlow-based trainer took a whopping four titles — and by the end of the Festival he had secured a record eight.
Will jump racing ever get better than the mighty AP McCoy? The 40-year-old might be retiring at the end of this season, but the National Hunt world certainly won’t forget him in a hurry. With over 4,300 wins to his name and 19 champion jockey titles, he’s not an easy act to follow.
3. Irish Draughts
We’ve got a lot to thank Irish Draughts for. They may have been developed in the early part of the 20th century for farmers who wanted a horse that could work the land in the week, go hunting all day Saturday and then be ready to bring the family trap to church on Sunday morning — but their blood can be found in sport top horses across the disciplines.
4. Aoife Clark
Thirty-three-year-old Aoife is just one of an exciting crop of Irish eventers, having taken individual seventh place at London 2012, the CCI3* title at Bramham in 2014 and the Blenheim CCI3* in 2013.
Aside from needing to top up your hip flask more frequently, H&H finds out how hunting in Ireland differs from …Continue reading »
5. Punchestown
National Hunt devotees can be feeling flat post the Grand National — which is when the Punchestown Festival comes into play (28 April-2 May 2015). Five days of top class racing is the perfect remedy to cure jump racing withdrawal symptoms.
6. Ballindenisk
This year’s Ballindenisk Horse Trials (24-26 September 2015) is sure to attract eventing royalty — but the event had humble beginnings. The story goes that in the spring of 1974 Norman Van de Vater, master of the United Fox Hounds, was out hunting one Wednesday and whilst galloping across Ballindenisk, admiring the farm, he looked at Robert Fell and asked: “Robert, would it be okay to bring a few friends for a gallop around your farm?”
7. Guinness
You may well curse the drunken men who stumble into you, spilling Guinness down your carefully chosen tweed at the Cheltenham Festival, but what would it be without the Guinness tent? And we only have the Irish to thank for that.
8. Bertram Allen
The 19-year-old showjumping superstar may be based in Munster, Germany — but he wears his green jacket with pride. Bertram finished seventh individually at the World Equestrian Games last year and will make his debut in the World Cup final in Las Vegas in April.
9. Dublin Horse Show
First run in 1864, this show is a Dublin institution. This year it runs from 5-9 August 2015, and spectators can look forward to watching showing’s biggest names in action, the Nations Cup showjumping — as well as the eagerly anticipated puissance.
With their athleticism, versatility, good temperament and enviable jumping ability, any child has hit the jackpot if they can land themselves a Connemara pony to kick start their competition career.
11. Extreme hunting
Hip flasks need to be sizeable (and full) for hunting in Ireland — and there’s no shame in hopelessly clinging onto your neckstrap. Or having dirty breeches within the first 20 minutes of getting on board.
Were you out with the Barlow Hunt or the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt when the H&H hunting correspondents paid a visit? If so, why not take a look at the gallery below to see if you were spotted by our photographers.
Meynell and South Staffordshire
The country for this three day a week pack spreads across a large part of Derbyshire and Staffordshire, incorporating Ashbourne in the north and Lichfield in the south. A testing country to cross, there is a large vale region with plenty of grass with some serious hedges and strong timber. Adjoining hunts include the Atherstone, Quorn, South Notts and the High Peak Harriers. the Meynell and South.
Jim Clay
Andrew Callwood makes light work of one of the many Meynell hedges
Chloe Poyser on gate-shutting duties
Huntsman Jamie Nicklin with the Meynell and South Staffordshire hounds
The Barlow hunt principally in Derbyshire but include parts of Nottingham and South Yorkshire in their country, which has contracted over the years due to the M1 motorway and expansion of Chesterfield and Sheffield conurbations. With the exception of some large estates, including Chatsworth, the country is a landscape of small, privately-owned grass farms.
The Barlow field
Liz Denniff crosses the country with ease
Alison Morton
The Tuesday fixture remains one of the Barlow’s most popular
A former amateur whipper-in, Chris White in his third season as joint-master
Don’t miss our full hunting reports featuring the Barlow Hunt and the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine (out 19 March, 2015)
The RSPCA’s only pending prosecution of a hunt was dropped yesterday (Wednesday 18 March) due to lack of evidence.
Will Bryer, master and huntsman of the Cattistock Hunt in Dorset, had been charged with one offence of hunting a fox with dogs. The incident was alleged to have taken place on 2 December 2014.
A hearing was due to take place at Weymouth Magistrates Court on Friday (20 March).
However, the RSPCA has written to Mr Bryer’s solicitor Jamie Foster, stating it would not be pursuing the prosecution as there is no evidence on which they could legitimately continue.
The RSPCA had initially relied on video evidence collected as part of a covert surveillance operation by another animal rights group, the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
“In the 10 years since the Hunting Act came into force no one involved with the Cattistock Hunt has been convicted of breaking the law,” said Mr Bryer.”I am very pleased that the RSPCA has finally seen sense and dropped the case against me, but there was never any justification for it in the first place.”
The report, carried out by former chief inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Stephen Wooler, made 33 recommendations on the charity’s investigation and prosecution activity.
It advised that the RSPCA should continue its role as prosecuting body, but the organisation accepted it needed to adapt its approach to law enforcement.
One of the criticisms levelled at the RSPCA was the amount of money spent on prosecutions under the Hunting Act.
Tim Bonner, director of campaigns for the Countryside Alliance (CA), added: “This was the only outstanding prosecution of a hunt by the RSPCA and we hope it will be the last time the charity involves itself in such a case.
“There is a clear conflict of interest in a political campaigning organisation bringing prosecutions of this sort and the RSPCA should take the advice of its own independent reviewer and leave such allegations to be independently considered by the police and CPS.”
CA’s figures show that in 2013 — the last year the RSPCA carried out prosecutions of hunts before this case — 79% of the summonses issued by the RSPCA against hunt staff and supporters failed, costing more than £100,000 of tax payers’ money.
Comparing bygone heroes with contemporary stars is futile, but it can be fun and makes us think about the qualities required for success.
Would Geoff Hurst have saved England’s blushes in last year’s football World Cup? And who would you have backed in the quest for Cheltenham’s golden crown?
Arkle — the classic warrior, Kauto Star — the continental superstar, or Best Mate — the romantic hero?
As for the “Battle of the Foxhound”, would it be a fair contest? Probably not.
Over the past century, the rate of development in the countryside has far outpaced the normal rate of natural evolution, and yet the foxhound is still producing remarkable hunts in a noisier, smellier, more congested world.
In its simplest interpretation, Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural selection has little to do with the evolution of the foxhound. Even more than the thoroughbred, the modern foxhound — whatever the strain — is a product of countless centuries of careful breeding by masters and huntsmen. True, there have been convenient mistakes and some breeders are more thorough in their research and critical selection criteria than others.
Huntsmen and hound breeders should be constantly evaluating their hounds, even the ones who for one reason or another won’t make it on to the breeding programme. Match fitness is very important and, like many kennels, we keep assiduous records of hound lists for each day’s hunting. Pleasingly, of the 65 days we hunted this season, 80% of hounds hunted 55 days or more.
The inter-war seismic shift in hound breeding away from the heavy “short-horn” hound towards a more athletic type has eventually benefited both the modern and old English types.
Most huntsmen want sharp, yet biddable hounds that have the drive, athleticism and confidence to produce as decent and significant a hunt as the country can sustain. Longevity is crucial too, for the balance and education of the pack.
Modern hounds’ tolerance
The hound of 100 years ago, even 50, would be horrified at what its descendants tolerate. The odd car exhaust, single strand of wire, considerate train driver and over-keen thruster on a young horse were the limits of their concern.
One of my bête noires is stock fencing topped with two strands of barbed wire protecting what used to be a perfectly good hedge — the stuff of a huntsman’s nightmare.
Last weekend, after our hounds negotiated a series of hazards in fine style without checking, I wondered to what degree we should attribute the foxhound’s ability to cope with the challenges of hunting across the modern countryside to the process of controlled, selective breeding. How much does each generation of hound have to adapt to its current, ever-changing environment? I don’t have the answer but surely the intelligence and beguiling charisma of the foxhound must develop beyond our basic breeding criteria.
The huntsman’s handling is of course crucial and can complicate objective assessment. Given a fair chance, most packs should produce good sport in the right hands and the average standard of hound welfare has never been higher. So it should be with advances in veterinary science, kennel design, management technique and communication.
With the benefit of nature (controlled breeding) and nurture (huntsmen’s handling and hounds’ experiences), if the modern hound went back to hunt the Edwardian Elysian Fields, I’d wager our forebears would have to push their hats down and kick on.
Were you hunting with either the Fernie or the Hurworth Hunts when the H&Hhunting correspondents paid a visit? If so, why not take a look at the gallery below to see if you were spotted by our photographers.
Fernie
H&H visited on the final day of the Fernie’s season to mark the retirement of senior-master Joe Cowen who has been a master of this pack since 1972. Huntsman Derek Hopkins was hunting the Fernie hounds for the final time before moves on to pastures new on 1 May.
With large areas of grassland, the Fernie country was formerly part of the Quorn but was deemed too large to hunt so Sir Richard Sutton allowed his son to hunt part of the country from 1853. Following a boundary dispute, the Quorn relinquished all claim to the country which now enjoys great support.
Eventer Angus Smales crosses the country in style
Charlie Wallace
Will Graham, Lord Onslow and Charles Millington
Hayley Clarke and Becky Little
Derek Hopkins, Lucy Bland, Julia Rattray and Charlotte Hignett
Joe Townsend retires after 32 years of hunt service at the end of this season and our correspondent visited the meet at the kennels on his final day hunting the hounds. One of the oldest packs in the country, the Hurworth are an Old English pack, with the hounds being predominantly tan in colour and slightly thicker set than the modern foxhound.
The country lies in North Yorkshire, Durham and Cleveland with the Zetland, Bedale and Bilsdale amongst the neighbouring packs.
Jack Andrews, whipper-in
Catherine Shorten
Fiona Leng
Emma and Annabel Dearden
Kieley Alderson
Master Stuart Allen
Jessica Bedi
Pictures by Peter Nixon
Don’t miss our full reports in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine, out today (Thursday 26 March)
Emily Clark, girlfriend of the Fitzwilliam’s part-time second whipper-in Josh Worthington Hayes, pops a rail on her neat little horse, Murphy
