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Hunt facts: Ashford Valley

17 February, 2005

Hunt: JC Buckland originally hunted a Harrier pack in the country from 1873, but the Ashford Valley Foxhounds pack was recognised by the MFHA in 1922-23. Buckland was master for 50 years until his death in 1926

Country: a mixture of Kent arable, grass and woodland with hunt jumps and ditches. It can be trappy, and a responsive horse that can turn and jump off its hocks is needed. Neighbouring hunts are the West Street Tickham, the East Kent, the East Sussex and Romney Marsh and the Southdown and Eridge

No of subscribers: 110 mounted and foot

Masters: Brian Fraser, Kate Boyd and Peter Claxton

Staff: Neil Staines hunts hounds, and Mike Sargent and Rick Thomson are amateur whippers-in. Neil’s son, William, does the terriers and is kennelman

Best thing about the hunt: “The friendliness. We make visitors very welcome” — Louise Gorringe, secretary

“The support and co-operation we receive from the farmers and landowners. They’re a fantastic lot of chaps and very helpful” — Brian Fraser MFH

Most challenging aspect: “The wretched new motorways and railways. It’s divided the country up — we have no good, galloping country” — Brian Fraser

“Staying with hounds when they go” — Neil Staines, huntsman

Cost of a subscription: £500

Cost of visiting: £40 on Wednesday, £60 on Saturday

Hunt secretary: Louise Gorringe (tel: 01580 752694)

  • This hunt focus was first published in Horse & Hound


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