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.
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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