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One pint-sized rider — and 8 other photos from opening meets *PICTURES*

Polly Portwin Polly Portwin

    • Plaiting up for the first time since the end of last season, putting on your old hunt coat to find it has shrunk over the summer and lost a button, or rifling through your chest of drawers to track down your best breeches can all be some of the signs that the new season is about to start.

    However once all the preparation is out of the way, everyone can get on and enjoy the first day of the season.

    Opening meets have been taking place across the country during the past couple of weeks with people of all ages experiencing their first day out behind hounds.

    We take a look at some of your pictures capturing the excitement that has been taking place up and down the country.

    1. The Banwen Miners opening meet at The King Arthur in Reynoldston. Pictured among members of the field are Nia Godsmark MFH and field master Peter Bowdler

    Hope you’re well. I thought I’d send you a few photos I took on Saturday 31st October of The Banwen Miners Hunt at their meet from The King Arthur, Reynoldston. All of these shots were taken by myself for my personal use and I have only sent them on to you. Included in the photos are Lady Master Nia Godsmark MFH, Field Master Mr Peter Bowdler, and field member Julie Anne Slater. Hope you had a great weekend. With best regards, Simon Rees

    Picture credit: Simon Rees

    2. Gina Woodhouse, amateur whipper-in to the South Downs Bloodhounds, jumps a fence with ease on her young horse Tikka

    I have submitted a couple of photos in the past, and wondered if you were doing your seasonal collection of "Opening Meet" photos from around the country. The South Downs Bloodhounds Opening Meet was Sunday 11th October, in Privett, Hampshire near their kennels. I have attached 3 pictures for you to choose or use all 3. Information on the following photos: Image 064 - shows hounds Kestrel and Rampart Image 075 - Master Jeremy Whaley addressing the field with amateur whippers-in Gina Woodhouse and Emma Moseley. This was the first time in hunt uniform for the two young whips and a very proud day it was for the girls and their parents. Image 487 - shows Gina Woodhouse on her young horse Tikka taking the hedge in style. Photograph by: www.sharontphotography.co.uk

    Picture credit: www.sharontphotography.co.uk

    Continued below…

    3. One-year-old Digby riding his 38-year-old pony, Bubbles at the opening meet of the Wilton

    hello i was wondering id one of these pictures may be able to make the magazine, this is digby aged 1 years at the Wilton opening meet Saturday on his pony bubbles who is 38 years young they had a wonderful time first picture is digby with his granddad who has been following the wilton for many years he was so very proud! many thanks Hannah betts

    Picture credit: Hannah Betts

    4. The opening meet of the Wheatland added at least one new member to their tumblers’ club — both horse and rider were unharmed and soon reunited

    Good morning H&H - not sure if you'd be interested in these but here are a few pics from the Wheatland's opening meet on 31st Oct. The hedge flier is Sally-Anne Craig who is back in saddle following maternity leave last season! Regards, Katrina Shaw

    Picture credit: Katrina Shaw

    5. A mounted field of more than 75 horses and riders — including these four ladies — enjoyed the North Cornwall’s opening meet at Hamatethy in St Breward

    “Good afternoon. Please find herewith my images from North Cornwall Hunts Opening Meet at Hamatethy in St Breward last Saturday. It was a fabulous day with over 50 mounted followers aged from 6 years old to 75+! In addition over 100 locals gathered on foot to follow the hunt across the moors. I give you permission to use any of my images Free of Charge on Social Media, in print and on your website. All that I ask is you print my name against any images you choose to use. With kind regards, Claire Collings”

    Picture credit: Claire Collings

    6. A young follower and her horse give this fence plenty of “air” while following the North Cornwall

    “Good afternoon. Please find herewith my images from North Cornwall Hunts Opening Meet at Hamatethy in St Breward last Saturday. It was a fabulous day with over 50 mounted followers aged from 6 years old to 75+! In addition over 100 locals gathered on foot to follow the hunt across the moors. I give you permission to use any of my images Free of Charge on Social Media, in print and on your website. All that I ask is you print my name against any images you choose to use. With kind regards, Claire Collings”

    Picture credit: Claire Collings

    7. Officials of the Ross Harriers at their opening meet

    At the meet. From left to right, Anna Ernsting; Field Master. Martin Bingham; 1st Whip. Ryan Powell; Field Master. Simon Dunn; Master Huntsman. Major Jonathan Seed; Chairman.

    Picture credit: Amber Simms

    8. A lady follower out with the East Essex successfully negotiates a ditch

    East Essex Hunt opening meet. We had a great day with a field of 92. The Huntsman, Gary Thorpe, built some extra jumps to keep the Field on their toes! It was a bright day but the morning was cold so the scent was pretty good for the off. Their were a couple of folks added to the tumblers club but a great day was had by all. The hosts gave us such a lovely send off, it is shooting country so the fact that they gave us a day on Tuesday (27th Oct at Clees Hall) when they held their first shoot on the Saturday is a great accolade to them and proof that all field sports can work side by side.

    Picture credit: Mark Rendall

    9. Tom Lyle MFH, huntsman of the Dartmoor keeps hounds up together

    Tom Lyle

    Picture credit: Hamish Mitchell

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