On Thursday (7 May) the country goes to the polls, and equestrian organisations are “imploring” whoever will be the new leader to tackle issues within the industry.
However, a recent YouGov poll suggests that public support for the Hunting Act has dropped from 61% to 51% since 2004. Opposition to the Act stands at 44% among Conservative voters, but 64% of Labour voters are in support.
Parties have set out their manifestos, and issues — including hunting — are highlighted (see below).
“It will be so important for the new administration to work with the [equestrian] sector to meet the challenges as clearly laid out in the sector’s Manifesto for the Horse. Despite financial constraints we implore the new government to think very carefully before taking the cheap option to meet any of these challenges,” said Roly Owers of World Horse Welfare.
“For example, completing the job of introducing a robust system of equine identification is pivotal, and poor decision-making on the basis of costs could have widespread ramifications, including on food safety. And the dysfunctional and ineffective system of compliance checking and enforcement of welfare, health and documentation laws at British ports is a ticking time bomb.
“We need effective intelligence-led enforcement to protect our horses, and World Horse Welfare and other NGOs [non-governmental organisations] can help to achieve this, but only if the systems are in place to do so.”
James Legge, head of political affairs for the Countryside Alliance (CA), said that many of the issues identified in the CA’s election manifesto have been picked up by the political parties.
“Clearly we also welcome the Conservative commitment to protect hunting, shooting and fishing, and to give parliament the opportunity to repeal the Hunting Act,” he said.
“The Green Party has launched an all-out attack on country sports. UKIP and the Liberal Democrats are silent on the issue. Whatever the outcome of the election there will be much to do not only to ensure that policies deliver, but also that the interests of the country sports community are protected.”
What the parties are offering in their manifestos that could affect equestrians
Conservative
Free vote on hunting
14,000 flood defence schemes
Make good biodiversity losses from HS2
Major review of business rates
Country of origin food labelling in Europe
Labour
Defend the hunting ban
Keep forests in public ownership
Prioritise flood prevention
Freeze business rates and energy bills for small rural companies
Liberal democrats
New, non-political body to manage national forests
Review governance of flood risk and drainage
Low emission zones in towns
Green
Speed limits of 20mph in villages
Review racing and ban the whip
Introduce land value tax
Extra £1bn on flood defences
UKIP
Scrap HS2
Animal cruelty more punishable
Mandatory CCTV in abattoirs
Add rare-breed saving to stewardship schemes
The hunt horses are all out and away to enjoy their summer holidays and, after a couple of false starts, spring is finally here. It has been another long season with scarcely a break.
A few untimely injuries mid-season put some horses out of action, adding to pressure on the remainder. But the expertise of the stud groom kept the show on the road.
After difficult and varied scenting conditions pre-Christmas, things improved. We chalked up some noteworthy days and finished the season on a high. I think that was the case for most areas, not just the Shires.
The Belvoir point-to-point took place at Garthorpe recently where, despite the leaden skies and heavy showers, a good crowd enjoyed some excellent racing. The occasion provided the opportunity to present our first whipper-in, “Little” George Pierce, with a hunting horn in gratitude for his five years’ service — how time has flown.
As of 1 May, he will join the throng of lorries moving up and down the arteries of Britain, as hunt servants take up their new positions. George leaves to become kennel-huntsman to the Cattistock in Dorset. More than a few local maidens will no doubt be left dewy-eyed…
Two of my colleagues are retiring from hunt service at the end of the month. Both have been, in the words of the immortal Tom Firr: “An ornament to our profession”.
Joe Townsend leaves the Hurworth after a long and distinguished career — he was obviously gifted with a stockman’s eye. The Hurworth are Old English foxhounds and Joe leaves them with a high-quality and level pack. He has bred some superb stallion hounds that have helped improve the Belvoir enormously.
Patrick Martin also places his horn upon the mantel after 23 years’ service at the Bicester with Whaddon Chase. Not only has he been at the top of the premiership as a huntsman, he, like many others, has endured — with much fortitude — unwarranted scrutiny from those self-appointed “hunt monitors” these past 10 years.
Patrick was at the forefront of the campaign to stop the Hunting Act, and remains an eloquent spokesman for our cause. I wish them both an easy transition into civilian life and good fortune along whichever paths they choose.
Make your vote count
Speaking of the Hunting Act, 1 May is not the only date to concern the hunting world. On the 7th we have possibly our last chance to elect a majority Conservative government, which will give us the opportunity to rid ourselves of this loathsome hunting law.
The coalition has given the Tories a reason for failing to fulfil their election pledge for a free vote on repeal. They have since reiterated their intention to do so, which in our urban-centric country is a bold statement that demonstrates a genuine commitment to repeal.
In any marginal constituencies your vote is important. If you are a hunting person then your vote will count. Just one or two blue seats lost may well be the difference between repeal and the current position, which remains intolerable for many hunt staff.
Do the right thing on this occasion, then full steam ahead for repeal.
Like the proverbial rat escaping from the sinking ship, I found myself 36,000 feet up in the air on a United Airlines flight to New York one day before the most important general election of my lifetime. Important for me and my family, important for my business and those we employ, and important for country sports — in particular hunting.
As we took off from Heathrow in the drizzle and the wind, I felt a sense of impending gloom that somehow “Red Ed” may yet be allowed to ‘”crash the car again”, having been given back the keys to do the same thing all over again, if you like.
His mother and father — in this case the British people if you believe the polls — seem to be saying: “Have another go dear, it wasn’t your fault it was that nasty boy Blair and his mate Brown. Oh and by the way, keep the other Ed on or you will have no Balls to play with”.
This is pure speculation. I decided to write this column before the result is known; it’s more dangerous and talking after the event is too easy, so it will be interesting to see how wrong I get it.
Make no mistake, the status quo for hunting is bad for every single one of us and there is only one outcome that may help to right the wrong that is the Hunting Act: the worst piece of legislation ever drafted, let alone put in to law.
So what will happen?
I do not subscribe to the theory that the British public is so stupid that “Red Ed” will arrive in Downing Street by accident with the SNP in tow. They will have to strike a deal with the very people who have decimated the Labour party in Scotland and who wish to break up the British Isles, having the power to vote on English issues from north of Hadrians wall…it is good TV but not a reality.
The interesting one is if the Conservatives do not get enough seats, how will UKIP fair? Some people I know forecast 20-25 seats, some say Mr Farage will not even win his own. It will be fascinating to see how they perform. If they do prop up a minority Conservative government, I don’t think it would be the worst outcome for hunting, but I struggle to see “Nige” as deputy Prime Minister.
If we return to the Con/Lib Dem debacle we would once again be in no-mans-land for another five years — an unbearable thought.
The result will be known on Friday morning — in my case Thursday night — and here is my prediction: the Conservative party will win an outright majority but by a slim margin.
If I am correct it will be in part due to the amazing work of VoteOk and the entire hunting community. All the time and effort they have given to this election will be rewarded and at long last we will have a light at the end of what has been for some of us a very long, dark tunnel.
On the other hand if “Red Ed” is our next Prime Minister, you might not be hearing from me again and I will have to concede that I have got the British public completely wrong. If so, I will be back to face the music next Thursday. Then again if that has happened, I might not — after all, they still go hunting in America…
The result of the general election has been welcomed by the rural community, and in particular the hunting fraternity.
Like a large number of the population, many sat up through the night, intrigued at the developments unfolding after the early exit polls predicted a Conservative victory. This was something that had seemed unlikely during the build-up to election day (7 May), with most polls predicting a hung parliament, where no single political party has won enough seats to form a majority government.
The Conservatives made a pledge in their 2015 manifesto to support countryside pursuits by giving Parliament “the opportunity to repeal the Hunting Act on a free vote, with a government bill in government time.”
The Countryside Alliance’s head of media, Tim Bonner, welcomed the news. “We are very pleased that the Conservatives have been able to form a majority government and look forward to them delivering on that commitment,” he said.
Those working on behalf of the political campaigning group Vote-OK — largely made up of supporters from various packs of hounds around the country — have been hard at work in target constituencies around the country. They were focusing on seats that were deemed marginal enough for sustained campaigning to make a difference.
Although there are no specific figures to show the effects of their campaigning so soon after the overall results have been announced, the efforts of the group have been recognised by the Prime Minister who, early this morning, sent a text saying: “Please thank Vote-Ok for all their amazing work.”
Yesterday (Thursday 7 May), Richard Gurney MFH, one of H&H’s hunting columnists, correctly predicted the following in an online comment: “I do not subscribe to the theory that the British public is so stupid that ‘Red Ed’ will arrive in Downing Street by accident with the SNP in tow. I predict the Conservative party will win an outright majority but by a slim margin.”
For more see next week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine, out Thursday 14 May
Our countryside is brimming with life. Grass is starting to grow and lambs are everywhere. St Swithin has been kind to the shepherd thus far, although our point-to-point course could do with a soaking to improve the ground.
New life comes to kennels, too. Most puppies are born from early spring onwards. Hound breeders will have been watching their charges keenly over the season, and a list of suitable bitches should have been compiled and stallion hounds selected, preferably before Christmas.
Quite rightly, hounds have no commercial value. After one of ours won several championships a few years ago, some of our subscribers thought he could be a panacea for any financial woes. Dante may have the grace and power of Frankel, but pride in his work and his offspring are our only gains.
We do not have a reliable knacker truck, so bitches and stallion hounds have been criss-crossing the country in the master or huntsman’s family car. Considering they aren’t used to it, hounds travel remarkably well in the car, save for a few “accidents”, particularly as the journey is often several hours long, including comfort and food stops (for the driver).
Never just turn up without warning to collect the bitch a few weeks later. The huntsmen might be understandably annoyed at the impertinence; moreover your future matron and pride and joy
might have a full bladder, temporarily at least, until the first corner. The huntsman deserves a proper “thank you” for looking after your bitch and making sure the deed was done well. Otherwise your next bitch to visit might produce a curious-looking litter that bears an uncanny resemblance to the kennelman’s rampant terrier.
Mid-journey comfort breaks for hounds should be undertaken with great care. Half a century ago, a college pack of beagles was travelling north for its annual hunting trip when, after several hours bumping up the old A1, the young master thought the hounds could do with a leg-stretch.
Before the last one had jumped out of the van, the lead hounds had found a hare on the verge. Later, when apologies were being given, local farmers were impressed that their unannounced visitors had come from nearly 100 miles away and yet were still hunting strong.
No doubt the wizened old kennel-huntsman had a few choice words for the crest-fallen master — “Another ****ing bright idea, sir.”
There are few sights in spring more life-affirming than a brood bitch tending her pups with the freedom of kennels. Soon they will be out at walk, causing joy and mayhem in equal measure.
In this week’s Horse & Hound magazine (p98, 14 May, 2015) former master and huntsman Mark Hankinson explains why while electing to walk hound puppies may not be as easy as it initially sounds, it is vital that hardy souls step up for this important task if we are all to continue to enjoy many more great days following hounds in the future.
In the feature he quotes the famous poem by Will H Ogilvie, which is provided in full below.
Will you walk a puppy? by Will H Ogilvie
‘Will you walk a puppy?’ the Hunt enquired
Being sportsmen, we did as the Hunt desired
And in early June there arrived a man
With an innocent bundle of black and tan
A fat little foxhound, bred to the game
With a rollicking eye and a league-long name,
And he played with a cork on the string;
And walking a puppy was ‘just the thing’
But the days went by and the bundle grew,
And broke the commandment and stole and slew
And covered the lawn with a varied loot
Of fowl and feather and bone and boot
And we scratched in the garden a hundred holes,
And wearied our bodies and damned our soles
As we chased him over the plots and swore
There was ‘walking a puppy’ for us no more!
If he’s half as good in a woodland ride
As he is in tucking young ducks inside
And half as keen on the scent of a fox
As he is at finding my red silk socks,
It is safe to bet when our hound goes back
He will make a name in the ducal pack,
For he’ll empty a cover-of beef or brose,
And he’ll stick to the line-if it’s hung with clothes!
The Union of Country Sports Workers is to be dissolved, following a decision taken at the organisation’s AGM on 10 May at Thorpe Mandeville, Northants.
The UCSW was established in 1997 as an independent organisation to fight for its members rights and against any threats to their jobs and homes. It was the only listed trade union dedicated to country sports employees.
The association’s members included those in many equestrian industries including farriers, grooms, livery yard workers, saddlers and members of hunt staff.
After the AGM, chairman Rob Lowe said: “Everyone associated with the UCSW can be proud of what has been achieved over the past 18 years. Formed when hunting was the main focus of attack, we brought together all those employed in country sports. All of us recognised that our way of life and the traditions of the countryside were under threat.
“Taking our rightful place alongside those who participate in country sports, we have made our voice heard loud and clear.
“The UCSW has gone on over the intervening years to represent our members in all manner of employment and housing issues or potential legislation that impacts upon our jobs and way of life.
“Up to the very end, UCSW has helped those in need, and I like to think fought against prejudice and for justice. There are still problems in the employment sphere and the permanent risk of bone-headed legislation that has not been properly thought through.
“Essentially run by volunteers, the time has sadly come to recognise that UCSW is no longer viable as a stand-alone organisation. However, I must stress that I do not believe that the threat to country sports or those who earn their living from them, has vanished. Everyone must remain vigilant.”
The UCSW had around 5,000 members based all over the UK, Europe and America.
The Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase (BHWC) team convincingly won the inter-hunt relay on a rain-soaked day at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on Thursday 14 May.
The team consisting of Ella Baskerville, Lucy Burton, Emily Taylor and Jeremy Adams beat the VWH in a strong final. Their time of 113 seconds was the fastest round of the day. Although it was tight across the line, the BHWC team all went clear which helped to secure the victory.
“We’ve finally won,” said a europhic Susie Beecroft, team chef d’equipe and joint hon secretary of the BHWC. “We’ve always been unlucky at Windsor and have never even got as far as the semi-finals before, but this team really deserved to win — they have practiced hard and their changeovers were very slick.”
Three members of the BHWC team — 14-year-old Ella Baskerville, Lucy Burton (15) and student Emily Taylor, were fresh from their recent victory in the Royal Artillery team relay event at Larkhill (25 April). Joining them was Jeremy Adams, their token male rider — who also qualified as their team member over 40-years-old — riding his daughter’s horse and taking part in his first team relay competition.
“Not bad for a beginner” Jeremy exclaimed after the victory that saw the hunt collect a cheque for £1,000 as well as rugs for the winning team horses.
Sixteen teams from as far away as Cheshire took part in the knockout competition where two teams compete against each other over a mirror image course. With a five second penalty added for each fence down, both speed and accuracy are required, along with smooth changeovers.
The top two teams had been consistent throughout the knockout competition achieving the two fastest rounds of the competition prior to the final round.
On their way to victory, the BHWC beat the Essex Hunt in the first round, followed by the Kimblewick and the Cotswold Vale Farmers before coming up against the VWH.
The other two semi-finalists were the Crawley and Horsham who came third and the Cotswold Vale Farmers who finished in fourth place overall.
Well, even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day.
I watched the results in New York. It was an ostracising feeling to be in America and so far away when the incredible news was delivered — Clegg resigns; Miliband resigns; Farage resigns (but he remains UKIP leader after the party rejected his resignation); Hughes loses seat. And my personal highlight, Balls loses his seat.
When I started in the Pony Club in the early 1970s, a blue rosette meant you’d finished in second place. In politics in 2015, it signifies winner and a winner against all the odds. I have had so many side bets with friends and others over the past year, I have lost track but I am looking forward to remembering them all and collecting soon.
So how did it happen?
Vote-OK and all those masterminding their strategy deserve all the praise they will receive in the coming weeks. They were set a Herculean task and they prevailed.
Our own target seat was Sutton and Cheam where Paul Scully, the Conservative candidate, was duly elected. That is three general elections in a row where the Old Surrey Burstow and West Kent have focused on a marginal seat and been asked to “go and help where you can”. That now makes it three wins from three.
I’m sure many other packs of hounds may have put in more man hours than we did, and now is the time to thank and congratulate them all for their efforts.
But there should be no gloating or crowing from the hunting community, just relief that a light at the end of a very dark and very long tunnel has at last come in to view. Let’s be honest, we are weary and we may have won, but we still need to sink the putt.
Doing us proud
I do not know what happens now — I will leave that to the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) and others. We must trust them to do the right thing. If those who represent us can, they will right the wrong that is the Hunting Act 2004 in whatever form that takes.
It will play out in the next few months as all things do in politics, but what is for sure is that those who did so much from our community to secure this once-in-a-lifetime result for the Conservative party should be proud of themselves, as should all those who helped them.
In the next few days and weeks, you may see many people beating a path to No 10 Downing Street, but few have as much right as the hunting community does to walk that particular walk.
As I said last Wednesday, “I left Great Britain in the drizzle and the wind” with a feeling of impending gloom that my generation may well have to preside over the end of hunting as we knew it. But I was certain I would be landing yesterday (Wednesday 13 May) in the sun with plenty of blue sky on show, whatever the weather.
A mass-organised local search took place on Saturday 23 May to look for a former hunter that has been missing in unexplained circumstances since Wednesday 20 May.
Twenty-eight-year-old Josh went missing from his field in Sherston, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire, and despite a large-scale search by local volunteers, there is still no sign of the 17.2hh bay gelding (pictured, above).
The disappearance has caused an amazing response on social media with pictures of the horse with a distinctive Roman nose being shared around the country in hope that somebody may recognise him. There are fears that Josh has been stolen and may appear for sale in other areas of the country.
Formerly ridden by Nigel Maidment, secretary of the Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt, Josh is now in semi-retirement and was being looked after by Lottie Bostock. Part of his lighter duties following his hunting career, have been to teach Lottie’s husband Guy to ride.
“I last saw him on Tuesday night and when he was checked again on Wednesday he had disappeared,” said Mrs Bostock.
Described as a gentle giant, the horse is well known among members who regularly hunt with the Gloucestershire pack of hounds.
A spokesperson for the Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt told H&H: “We all searched high and low this morning in the fields and thickets, including in some of the neighbours fields as well but there is still no sign of him. We are so worried about what has happened to the poor old lad and just want to know he is safe. Josh is very much loved and both the Maidment and Bostock families desperately want him back,”
Wiltshire police are investigating the disappearance which is being treated as suspected theft. If anyone has any information they should call the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Have you ever decided that you love your horse so much that you want to marry them? Well, you are not alone, because a wedding took place on Friday 22 May between a hunting man and his faithful horse.
Renowned on the hunting field, Irishman Aidan “Suntan” O’Connell married Oliver, his favourite 25-year-old hunter at Bunratty Manor Hotel in Co Clare in an unusual ceremony.
Aidan told H&H: “There are not many 65-year-olds able to take a partner 40 years their junior down the aisle.”
Dr John L Hassett, a veterinarian and racehorse trainer, was the best man and officiating was Rev Doherty from the Diocese of Killaloe.
After the Reverend had asked if anybody in the congregation knew of any reason why the couple should not get married, he proceeded with the ceremony: “Aidan Donncadha O’Connell of no fixed abode, do you take Oliver Equus as your lawful partner in marriage, with equal sharing of laundry, cooking and ironing”, which he replied “Yes”. Then he turned to Oliver and asked the same question where witnesses report there was a definite nod of the head.
Known in many parts across the world for his immaculate turnout, Aidan was dressed in his usual silk top hat and tails with Prince of Wales cuffs, white breeches, his champagne-topped riding boots and was adorned with his trademark red carnation buttonhole.
A reception was held at the Bunratty Manor Hotel following the service where the speeches were reported to be of a humourous nature. Approximately 40 guests attended, including former Irish eventer Polly Houlihan and many others from all parts of Europe, the USA and beyond. The best man read out messages of goodwill from friends who were unable to attend.
Now is the season for packs of hounds to hold their annual puppy show.
For those who haven’t been to one before, the name perhaps conjures up an image of cute, fluffy hound puppies being lead around a ring for all to see. The reality however is quite different but for those who attend, it is one of the highlights of the summer and is not to be missed.
For anyone who has been invited for the first time, those who are just curious about what goes on or people who have perhaps been before but might even have been slightly confused at the goings-on, H&H answers some of the most frequently asked questions about this special event in each pack’s summer calendar.
What is a puppy show?
Traditionally puppy shows are held to thank those who have walked hound puppies and to show their progress since they came back into the kennels after being out at walk.
The puppy walkers have a big responsibility, giving each young hound their initial education following being weaned. This involves introducing them to the sights and smells of the countryside, ensuring they know right from wrong, and most importantly, making certain each individual hound knows its proper kennel name.
Who goes to the puppy show?
Apart from the puppy walkers who really are the guests of honour, the guest list can be made up of any number of people, depending on each pack’s own criteria.
There tends to be many more than just the puppy walkers on the guest list and these can include — although each pack varies — hunt committee members, those who organise functions and fundraising events, farmers, meet hosts, subscribers, joint-masters and members of hunt staff from surrounding packs, hunt supporters, members of the press and perhaps the local MP.
It is seen as an honour to be invited to attend the puppy show although quite often packs have theirs as part of their annual kennel open day where everybody is welcome.
If you haven’t been invited and wish to attend, it may be worth putting in a quick call to your local master.
What do you wear if you’ve been invited?
Being one of the most prestigious events on the summer hunting calendar, an effort is generally made by most guests to look smart.
Gentlemen generally wear a suit or jacket and tie with panama hats often worn if the weather is suitably mild. Members of hunt staff tend to be recognisable by their bowler hats and dark suits.
The attire worn by the ladies is usually dependant on the weather with waterproof coats and wellies often disguising even the best-planned summer outfit. Hats are encouraged, although on occasions those worn by some are perhaps more suitable on racegoers at Royal Ascot and would be better left at home.
With regards to footwear, remember you are likely to be standing on grass so flats, those with a slightly sturdy heel, or wedges, would be more advisable than stilettos. Dress for the weather and remember you will be standing around for much of the time and might need an extra layer.
What are the hounds judged on and by who?
There are usually two invited judges who come to assess the young hounds and give their verdict on their conformation and movement. The judges are often a Master of Foxhounds (MFH) and a professional huntsman, although this can vary. Similar to judging horses, they will look at the overall picture of each hound, check they have good feet, shoulders, backs and also see how freely they move.
How old are the hounds?
The hounds presented to the judges are those that will start their hunting careers in the autumn and tend to be about one-year-old (usually born sometime between January and July of the previous year). There may be up to 6 months difference in age between litters born early in January, and some that aren’t born until July. This is something that will be of particular note to the judges.
What is the format for the afternoon?
You will be given a “racecard” whihc explains the order in which the hounds will be shown. You will also find breeding details of each of the young hounds and sometimes details of who walked each one. The doghounds are judged first and are usually shown to the judges by the huntsman in couples, so there is time for them to assess them properly. After all of the doghounds have been assessed by the judges, they will all come back into the ring and then the final assessment will take place. Once the judging of the doghounds has been completed and the results announced, the same procedure then happens with the bitches.
Who teaches the hounds to show?
There is quite an art to showing hounds and the hunt staff will have spent a lot of time over the weeks and months leading up to the big day to ensure the hounds show themselves off to their best advantage.
Don’t be surprised to see the huntsman using dog biscuits to encourage the hounds to stand properly and to get the most out of their movement.
What is the etiquette during judging?
Firstly, always arrive in good time. The puppy show is often a very social occasion where hunting people catch up with familiar faces for the first time since the season ended. However, it must be remembered that it is still a very important day, particularly for the puppy walkers, so do try to pay attention to the hounds and the judging. If you don’t understand something, there is usually somebody around keen to answer questions.
It is a good idea to get involved by trying to judge the hounds for yourself to see if you choose the one that wins.
One word of advice if you happen to be sitting close to the edge of the judging ring, always pay attention when the doghounds are near the railings, in case they decide to relieve themselves…a wet leg does not always appeal to everyone!
What happens after the puppy show?
After the judging has taken place, there are usually speeches and a prize-giving where prizes are awarded to the puppy walkers of the winning hounds. Most packs also give an engraved spoon to the puppy walker of each of the young hounds that went out to walk.
In addition, most packs lay on a generous spread of afternoon tea following the puppy show. This tends to take place in a barn at the kennels or perhaps a marquee if one has been laid on and you may well get asked to contribute a plate of sandwiches or bring a cake to add to the feast. Tea is the ideal place to catch up with all your hunting friends.
A 28-year-old horse that has been missing for over 10 days has been found safe and well.
Josh, a 17.2hh gelding went missing from his field in Sherston, near Malmesbury, Wilts on Wednesday 20 May and had not been seen until his discovery on Saturday 30 May. Following retirement from the hunting field earlier this year, he had been enjoying semi-retirement with Lottie Bostock when it was discovered he was missing.
Local Farmer’s wife Hayley Godwin, was following up a possible lead of “sounds being heard”, when she returned to what has been described as a steep, almost-impossible-to-access and thickly overgrown area on the side of a bank. To Hayley’s amazement and relief, the big bay horse was there, trapped and unable to find his way out.
Lottie’s husband Guy — who had been learning to ride on Josh — and local farmer Antony Tuck cleared the area to enable Josh to be cut out of the thicket.
Hayley Godwin said: “Just an amazingly emotional time to see such a strong willed horse walk free from the bushes and up a steep hill with such a bright eye and looking so well after 10 days — what a star Josh is!”
Despite endless searches by people in the local area — including many members of the Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt where Josh had enjoyed his hunting career with hon secretary Nigel Maidment — the chances of his recovery were beginning to look slim.
An overjoyed Lottie Bostock reported: “I don’t think we will ever fully understand quite how Josh had got himself completely submerged by a thicket just below the top of the cliff. The undercover was so thick that it was completely dark and he literally became wedged inside. He had to be cut out painfully slowly and a 20m long opening made in order for him to be removed. He was standing upright, had eaten all the bark off the surrounding trees and luckily thanks to the recent rainfall had a pool of water at his feet.
“Although Josh appeared to be none-the-worse, a vet was called immediately to check him over, and the vet couldn’t believe just how alert, bright and seemingly unfazed by his ordeal he was.”
On Sunday, a day after his dramatic rescue, Josh was reported to be in good spirits.
News of Josh’s disappearance had gone viral on social media websites across the country, amid fears he had been stolen and may be offered for sale.
While there is plenty of good hunting to be had all over the UK, property expert Carla Passino says that Leicestershire really is the crème de la crème when it comes to prime hunting country. Here, she explains why…
Why should the hunting community head to Leicestershire?
Modern hunting was born in Leicestershire, when Hugh Meynell began breeding hounds at the Quorn Hall estate. Today the local packs — the Quorn, Cottesmore (pictured), Fernie and Belvoir — are some of the best in the UK, with the hunting country nothing short of fantastic.
“Many parts of Leicestershire are designed for hunting with coverts planted at strategic points, jumpable hedges and post and rails throughout the most popular areas,” says Richard Clowes of Richard Clowes Property Search & Consultancy.
Who are the top riders you will struggle to kep up with hunting in Leicestershire?
Vere and Clea Phillipps, who live at Grange Farm in Rempstone, hunt with the Quorn and produce successful hunters, alongside showjumpers, event and National Hunt horses. While event riders Mark and Tanya Kyle are based at Queenholme Equestrian in Wymeswold, where they offer training and some livery services.
Where can you hone your jumping skills?
There’s a good choice of equestrian centres in the area — Witham Villa in Broughton Astley, Vale View in Old Dalby, Brooksby Equestrian Centre in Melton Mowbray and Markfield Equestrian Centre in Markfield.
Where can you be competitive off the hunting field?
Point-to-pointing is at Garthorpe, and across the county border at Dingley and Guilsborough in Northamptonshire, and Clifton-on-Dunsmore in Warwickshire.
The Fernie Hunt Supporters Association holds hunter trials at Illston-on-the-Hill in September, while a range of equestrian classes are available at the popular Blaston Show in Blaston, near Market Harborough.
What are the property prices like?
Richard Clowes explains: “About £150,000 for five acres with stables, at least £500,000 for a basic property with some land, over £1.25 million for a farmhouse with a few acres and some equestrian facilities.”
Don’t miss our 11-page property special in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (28 May 2015).
There was a mixed reaction to the fact there was no reference to the Hunting Act in The Queen’s Speech delivered at the State Opening of Parliament on 27 May from those on both sides of the hunting debate.
Some anti-hunting campaigners expressed satisfaction that David Cameron’s outlined programme for the coming session did not mention his manifesto pledge to offer a vote on repeal of the act. The RSPCA heralded it “a victory for foxes”.
However, the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS) was more circumspect, issuing a statement reading: “The potential repeal of the Hunting Act may not be in The Queen’s speech, but we don’t think for a second that the issue has gone away. The threat to the Hunting Act remains.”
The move came as a surprise to some following the commitment in the Conservative Party manifesto to give Parliament the opportunity to repeal the Hunting Act on a free vote, with a Government bill.
On the other side of the debate, the pro-hunting lobby was less concerned by the absence of any mention of repeal.
Tim Bonner, the director of campaigns at the Countryside Alliance told H&H: “There was never any expectation that a repeal Bill would be part of The Queen’s Speech.
“It is obviously not one of the Government’s priorities, but a vote on repeal is a manifesto commitment and all the signs are that it will be delivered quickly and dealt with speedily.
“We look forward to the Government bringing forward its proposal and believe that any debate on the failed Hunting Act will see a majority of MPs voting to get rid of it.”
Prior to the Hunting Act becoming law, there was much debate in the Commons and the Lords.
The two Houses were unable to reach an agreement so Michael Martin, the Speaker of the House of Commons, invoked the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949 to pass the bill.
As a result the Hunting Act 2004 achieved royal assent on 18 October 2004 and came into force on 18 February 2005.
The arguments against the Hunting Act 2004 are straightforward. There was never any justification for the ban in the first place and it was no more than a misplaced attack on the rural community by Labour MPs. It has done nothing for wild mammals or their welfare, and even Tony Blair has admitted it was one of his biggest mistakes.
There are many who are willing to voice their views on hunting from a position of total ignorance, but there is also a quiet army of us who know that the ban is wrong. That quiet army has a real commitment to hunting and to the countryside.
So much so that in 2002, more than 400,000 of us came from all over Britain to march on Westminster in opposition to the ban. Support for hunting is just as strong now.
Now, for the first time since the Hunting Act came into force in February 2005, we have a Government that has been elected with a manifesto commitment to a vote on the repeal the Hunting Act. We can be almost certain that ministers will bring forward proposals to lift the ban, but hunting has always been a free vote issue for MPs (rather than a whipped vote), so the focus now moves on to lobbying MPs to ensure we win.
We must stress three important points to those MPs. First, it is unacceptable that some hunt staff and masters are being dragged through the courts on the basis of vindictive allegations, while the rest are constantly looking over their shoulders.
Second, the police are being forced to waste thousands of hours investigating pointless Hunting Act allegations which could be spent tackling real crime; and third, that the courts are spending weeks sitting on senseless cases that, in the rare example of guilty verdicts, see people fined a few hundred pounds.
The current situation is not a fudge or a compromise. It is an unjustified and illiberal attack on a rural minority based on nothing other than prejudice.
We all want to see this issue resolved for good, but that must be on the basis of principle and evidence, not an irrational prohibition.
Our aim is simple: properly conducted hunting activity as conducted prior to 18 February 2005 should be legal, and no one hunting in a legitimate manner should be looking over their shoulder concerned about criminal prosecution. There can be no compromise on that.
Commitment of a community
Hunting has never shied away from debates about proper wild mammal welfare legislation and regulation. The Government is aware of this and we will look at any proposals it brings forward and discuss them with the Council of Hunting Associations (CHA).
In addition the CHA has developed a detailed proposal for self-regulation through a “Hunting Regulatory Authority” should that be required. There is a clear will to resolve this issue once and for all, and an understanding that just repealing the Act, while leaving a vacuum, would be unlikely to achieve that.
To help achieve a positive outcome for hunting and for our hunt staff, we need to act now. We need every single person who opposes the illiberal and illogical Hunting Act to contact their MP and let them know their views.
You can send an email to your MP from the Countryside Alliance website
(www.countryside-alliance.org), but please don’t stop there, encourage your friends and family to act as well. We need you to lobby and to write, and to join as members of the CA both to support our work financially, and to show the size and commitment of our community.
Together we can send the strongest possible message to Westminster that the Hunting Act must go.
A foxhound from the Suffolk Hunt has been found safe and well after 10 days of being on the run.
Foreman had escaped from the Suffolk Show showground after being startled while waiting to parade on Wednesday 27 May.
Part of one of the most popular attractions at the show, the Suffolk pack’s hounds had already taken part in a parade in the grand ring with other local packs of hounds, and were due to parade again in the President’s ring.
While they were waiting for the in-hand harness horses to exit the ring, a horse nearby kicked a stable door. The loud noise made two hounds suddenly leave the rest of the pack.
One of the missing hounds was Garland 09 who later returned to the hound lorry, however her son Foreman 12 (by Duke of Beaufort’s Farrier 07) was nowhere to be found.
Despite blowing the hunting horn and staying out late long after the show had finished to look for Foreman, hunt staff from the Suffolk Hunt were unable to locate the doghound.
Throughout the 10-day period when Foreman was missing, various sightings were reported and visits made to the location where he had been seen, but he did not reappear.
A further sighting was reported on Saturday (6 June) and hunt staff immediately went to see if he could be found. Although Foreman did not come to the call of the hunting horn, while searching land within the vicinity, he was found curled up asleep under a tree, around 100 yards from the entrance to the showground from where he escaped.
A spokesperson for the Suffolk Hunt told H&H: “It was such a relief to find Foreman. He looked surprisingly well after running free for 10 days but he was certainly glad to get back to kennels.”
Packs of hounds are regular attractions at local or county shows and the incident has not put the Suffolk Hunt off parading again — they were out again at the Rural Pastimes Event at Euston Hall on Sunday 7 June, the day after Foreman returned safely to kennels.
Riders from hunts across the country could have the chance to go up against their heroes of the racing and eventing worlds in a challenge at Barbury Horse Trials next month (11 July).
AP will be leading a team of jockeys to take on a team of eventers, lead by New Zealand Olympian Andrew Nicholson.
And the two professional teams will also be taking on the hunts. The winning junior and senior teams from the inter-hunt relay, held earlier in the day, will form the final two teams in the JCB Champions Challenge. These two teams will then have the chance to demonstrate their speed and jumping skills in Barbury’s main arena, riding against the jockeys and eventers.
Backing up AP in the jockeys team will be 22-year-old Sam Twiston-Davies, H&H racing columnist Richard Johnson, and Wayne Hutchinson, stable jockey to Barbury Castle trainer Alan King.
In the eventers team will be Andrew, who has won Barbury’s three-star competition for the past three years, and his Kiwi teammate Sir Mark Todd. They will be joined by H&H columnist Harry Meade and Olympian Tina Cook.
In last year’s competition the jockeys were victorious, with a team spearheaded by former champion jockey John Francome. Noel Fehily stepped up to the plate to stand in for injured AP. Now AP is taking part, can the jockeys do the double?
The jockeys last year took on eventers, show jumpers and a team from the VWH hunt, who qualified in the inter-hunt relay.
“The hunt gave us a real run for our money, the boys certainly need to watch out for their day jobs, but where were the eventers? Did they show up? We barely broke a sweat against them!” said John Francome at the time.
Hunt teams taking part in the hunt scurry competition at Barbury are also invited to raise sponsorship in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund. The team that raises the most will win a premier box for 25 at Cheltenham Racecourse at the hunter chase evening fixture in May 2016.
The St James’s Place Wealth Management Barbury International Horse Trials takes place from 9-12 July. The JCB Champions Challenge takes place on Saturday 11 July.
The Countryside Alliance (CA) has told H&H it is “confident” that there is no connection between the Middleton Hunt and video footage of fox cubs being found in a barn in North Yorkshire.
A man was arrested after 16 fox cubs were found in the barn. He has since been released on police bail.
The League Against Cruel Sports(LACS) claims the cubs, who were between six and eight weeks old, were being reared by the hunt.
However, both the hunt and the Countryside Alliance refutes these claims.
Covertly filmed video footage, shot last month, shows a man entering a barn, which the activist group claims, is linked to the Middleton hunt in North Yorkshire. The activist group then released this footage to the press.
However, the CA’s director of campaigns, Tim Bonner, said: “The building concerned is neither owned nor leased by the Middleton hunt. The hunt has assisted the police with their inquiries and is very confident, as are we, that no one employed by or connected to it has committed any offence.”
Major Tim Easby, director of the Master of Fox Hounds Association (MFHA) told H&H: “This is a police matter and the hunt has offered its full cooperation. The MFHA is confident that no offences have been committed.”
The cubs were taken by the North Yorkshire Police on 31 May. The police are currently investigating the situation.
“Acting on intelligence, North Yorkshire Police officers conducted a search of an outbuilding, under the Animal Welfare Act,” said a police spokesman.
“Officers rescued the cubs and they are now being cared for in an animal sanctuary outside North Yorkshire.
“The foxes were being fed and had access to water, but police need further information as to how they got in the barn, why they were there, and who put them there.”
Mid Herts Show 28.07.13
After being asked to leave the ring a competitor parts company with his mount
FALL FALLING REAR REARING THRILLS AND SPILLS
We’ve all been there — one minute you’re enjoying the cross-country round of your life and the next you experience that sinking feeling as you realise gravity is about to take over and, inevitably, you and the ground are going to become thoroughly acquainted.
Yes, it’s that moment every rider dreads — the point of no return. We bring you 16 classic moments, all of whom we’re pleased to say could see the funny side…
1. ‘You go first’
Horse & Hound’s very own hunting correspondent Catherine Austen faces her fate when her mount slams on the brakes while out with the Thurlow. We’re sure her dismount was incredibly graceful…
2. Barry tries his Best
The HSBC Maltings proved the undoing of Rosie Thomas and Barry’s Best at Burghley in 2010. The chestnut is doing his utmost to keep himself out of trouble but the sideways exit for Rosie is now inevitable.
3. Look, no hands!
National Hunt jockey Richard Johnson tries every balancing act in the book but, when Swnymor hits the deck at the final hurdle at Chepstow, the mud beckons.
Take a look at some of the scariest fences the horse world has to offer. Even the bravest of riders More…
4. Bring on the wall
When Kool Kaiser declines to jump the famous wall at Great Yorkshire Show, he and Joe Whitaker send the bricks flying. The astonished expression on both horse and rider says it all.
5. The starfish
Eventer Joe Meyer (Black Andy) adopts the starfish position before making a splash at Burghley in 2008. Waterwings are unfortunately not provided.
6. See ya!
One competitor at Mid Herts Show is shown the side exit by his overexuberant mount. The only way is down.
7. Feet first
If you manage to time it just right, it is possible to land elegantly on your feet. Much easier said than done, however.
8. Too late to hail a cab
Nice try, Ruby Walsh, but the Cheltenham turf beckons when Twist Magic crumples on landing at the Festival.
9. A trip to the dry cleaners
Jade Hunter takes a spill while hunting with the Tynedale. We all know what’s coming next — mud bath anyone?
10. The swan landing
The showjumpers usually leave the dunkings to the event riders, but at Aachen in 2013, Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet and Desteny Van Het Dennehof make a splash landing, skimming through the water jump before grinding to a halt.
11. If I can just hold on a bit longer…
James Robinson (Comanche) defies gravity for as long as possible, but doesn’t escape an early bath.
12. Don’t worry, I can wait
Blow The Budget stands patiently as young jockey Antonia Platt wriggles back in to the saddle at HOYS. A great recovery!
13. The stuntman’s exit
Point-to-point rider Alex Edwards could audition for the next Bond film after this dramatic dismount off Chief Heckler at the Cambridge University Hunt Club meeting.
14. Going head first
Sometimes the horse will help you out in these kind of situations, but we all know that when his head goes down, that neck becomes a slippery slide to terra firma.
15. It happen to the best of them…
Even Andrew Nicholson can’t avoid a spectacular splash landing every now and then and the New Zealand rider’s turn comes in Luhmuhlen in 2013.
16. The ultimate sinking feeling…
The worst possible place for your horse to take proceedings into his own hands is at the top of the 10ft 6in Hickstead Derby Bank. Germany’s Axel Wockener clings on vainly in 1976, but his horse Glasgow’s decision to tackle the obstacle backwards was never going to end prettily.
