It was the turn of the Fell hounds to take centre stage at Rydal Hound Show near Ambleside in Cumbria on 13 August.
Often described as “having a real holiday atmosphere,” this is one of the most popular and looked-forward to hound shows of the summer, with many visitors then going on to Lowther Hound Show a few days later.
A large crowd of hunting enthusiasts gathered at Rydal’s scenic venue where there were three rings of judging to enjoy. The day commences with the show of the Coniston hounds in the foxhounds ring, then the Fell hounds begin the open classes, where all seven registered packs put hounds forward.
Unlike the showing of the modern foxhound, Fell hounds are shown on their lead by their huntsman or their walker.
Repeating his success of last year was Blencathra Sergent, who took the Fell hound championship title before winning the supreme show championship ahead of the winners of the beagles, harriers and terriers championships. Holcombe Barrister 12 who had earlier landed the harrier championship took the reserve champion overall.
In the beagles classes, the Palmer Marlborough enjoyed a very successful day with Dancer 14 winning the entered doghound class and standing champion.
In addition to the hound show, as well as browsing the many trade stands, visitors to the show could also enjoy the associated sheep dog trials, stick show and hound trailing.
The Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire Beagles enjoy success with Wagtail, winner of the entered bitch hound class
Eskdale and Ennerdale Rascal claims the unentered bitch hound title
The Holcombe’s successful doghound Barrister 12 takes the harrier championship
Blencathra Matcham secures the unentered doghound class
Judging of the Fell hounds
Rydal Hound Show takes place in the scenic Cumbrian countryside
Members of a large crowd view the judging from the ringside
Supreme show champion, Blencathra Sergent with huntsman Barry Todhunter
For the full report and results, please see this week’s issue of Horse & Hound, on sale 27 August 2015
