Latest from Horse & Hound in Hunting

Farewell to passionate advocate for wildlife management in the British countryside, aged 85

Becky Murray — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:12:48 +0000

By David Renney

Lewis Hartland Thomas, the co-founder of Vets for Hunting, later the Veterinary Association for Wildlife Management (VAWM), has died aged 85.

Lewis was born in Bath, where his mother, Alex, was an evacuee from London during the war. His father, Mark Hartland Thomas, was an architect.

He attended Westminster School in London, then Trinity College, Dublin, briefly to read classics. Questioned by his father, whom he greatly respected, on what he planned to do with his degree, he changed his course at Trinity to zoology, then gained a place at Cambridge to read veterinary medicine.

The family moved to Kent while he was a teenager, where he met Rosemary, who became his wife of 60 years. He and Rosemary spent the early part of their marriage in Cambridge, where Lewis rowed for his college.

After graduation, Thomas went into mixed practice, briefly joining Messrs Gilbert, Kirkwood and Gale in Newbury. He soon switched to an academic career, taking a position at the Institute for the Research on Animal Diseases, at Compton, Berkshire. There, he worked on bovine conditions, earning his doctorate and becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists.

It was one of his many published letters, in this case to The Times, that was the catalyst for the formation of Vets for Hunting. William “Twink” Allen read it and thought it so articulate he made contact to arrange the first vets’ meeting.

In retirement, Thomas threw himself into the work of Vets for Hunting and the VAWM. The name change was intended to show that the remit was not limited to wildlife management by hunting, particularly important when an informed veterinary voice was needed on the subject of badger culling. It was also intended to show that the association’s interest was not limited to hunting but extended to its purpose.

Lewis organised two successful conferences on wildlife management, attracting eminent speakers and delegates, putting on show the intellectual ballast that supports the case for hunting with hounds.

He was an indefatigable writer of letters to newspapers and politicians, making the case that hunting with hounds was better for the welfare of the quarry species than any other method of management. No VAWM committee meeting was complete without a report of his most recent correspondence with the secretary of state.

He was a keen fly fisher and sang in his church choir. He did not ride, but was an enthusiastic follower of hounds and his son, Charlie, went into hunt service. Having started as professional whipper-in at the Vine and Craven Hunt, last year he was made a joint-master. Lewis and Rosemary gave a lawn meet for Charlie’s hounds last season.

It was only his responsibility for caring for Rosemary and his own failing health that finally began to limit him. He felt cheated that in old age he did not reap the benefit of a daily 15-mile round commute on his bicycle for almost all his working life. But he never lost his fighting spirit.

He leaves Rosemary, his son Charlie, an estate agent, and daughter Lucy, a vet.

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‘Everything to play for’: your last chance to have a say on proposed trail-hunting ban

Catherine Austen — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:18:01 +0000

Supporters of trail-hunting and rural businesses whose trade would be affected by its loss are urged to reply to the Government’s consultation on the proposed ban before it closes on Thursday (18 June).

The Future for Hunting campaign, a joint initiative between the Countryside Alliance and the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) has put together a suggested response, completing which will also contact the respondent’s MP.

Alliance director of hunting Polly Portwin told H&H: “This is a critical moment for everyone who values hunting, hounds and the communities that support them. In years to come, when we look back on this moment, each of us should be able to say that we played our part.

“Before the consultation closes, ask yourself honestly: have I done everything I can to help protect hunting’s future?”

Have your say

Ms Portwin said it is crucial the Government understands the economic impact a ban would have on rural communities.

Nessie Chanter, joint-master of the Heythrop, explained: “Our hunt alone has 112 suppliers whose business will be adversely affected by the proposed ban.

“There are 293 farmers within our hunt country who will be affected by discounted fallen stock services, reduced hay and straw sales and free fence repair. There are 30 livery yards who would struggle to continue. That’s not to mention the vets, farriers, lorry mechanics, feed merchants, horse dentists and chiropractors who gain so much business from 150 individuals and 300 horses who hunt with the Heythrop.”

Supporting businesses

Mrs Chanter added that the Heythrop hunts three days a week and there is usually a meeting in a pub afterwards.

“These pubs won’t see the level of support in the winter that they’re used to, not to mention the sense of community built around trail-hunting. There is so much good that transpires from the trail-hunting community in our area, from litter-picking to raising money for charity; on average, £16,000 to £18,000 per annum.”

“It is clear that the rural community is being persecuted,” she added. “The Heythrop has 150 riding and 325 non-riding members, aged eight to over 80, from all walks of life, who have a reason to get out of their houses a few times a week and spend the day in the fresh air together.

“The social interaction, exercise and feeling of belonging in our community, reflected across all hunts in England and Wales, improves mental health and wellbeing and would be impossible to replicate.

“The layers of damage that a ban would cause have simply not been recognised by a Government with extraordinary priorities that seem intent on engaging in a battle, not just with trail-hunting, but with the countryside as a whole.”

Trail-hunting ban consultation: timeline unknown

It is unknown how quickly Defra will react to the consultation but Mrs Portwin said: “We’re confident that this is one of the largest, if not the largest, response Defra has had to any consultation. This is only the start of our campaign, which will very much be ongoing while we find out what the next steps are in terms of legislation.”

Sam Butler, vice-chairman of Future for Hunting, added: “Momentum and recognition of the importance of our campaign is gathering. I’m seeing further and wider support from third parties and the realisation that this is about a much bigger picture.

“This consultation is only part of the overall process of the campaign meeting its objectives and there is everything to play for – the threat facing farmers and every way of life in the countryside is very real.”

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Sir Ben Wallace warns the Government: ‘Don’t pick a fight with the countryside’

Catherine Austen — Sun, 24 May 2026 07:32:54 +0000

What makes a former cabinet minister with almost no personal experience of trail-hunting take up its cause? H&H hunting editor Catherine Austen explains all...

“It’s our way of life,” says Sir Ben Wallace. “The rural communities are under a whole range of assaults and at the heart of it, we survive as communities because we tolerate each other.

“That’s the difference between us and the ‘London bubble’ – we don’t all shoot and we don’t all hunt, and we don’t all play football and we don’t all play rugby, but we have always accepted each other’s pastimes and how other people live.

“It is fundamental to the freedom that I think is so important to this country.”

That is the essence of this distinguished former cabinet minister’s answer when asked why he is chairing Future for Hunting, the joint initiative between the British Hound Sports Association and the Countryside Alliance, to oppose the current Government’s manifesto commitment to ban trail-hunting.

There are, after all, a great many other things after 19 years as an MP and a long, highly respected tenure as Secretary of State for Defence he could be doing that would be much more attractive and much less controversial.

But Sir Ben is passionate about rural Britain and the quirks and variety of our countryside, and believes that if he can help see off this singularly illiberal and ill-thought-out attack on its people and their pastimes, then he should.

“After this, it’ll be shooting and after shooting, it’ll be racing,” he says. “I think it’s really about a line in the sand and I’m just not prepared to abandon a whole group of people, some of whom I know very well, and run for the hills.”

Sir Ben meets a Heythrop hound puppy. (Image credit: Daniel Hague)

Sir Ben Wallace: “A man of the countryside”

Sir Ben says he has probably only been hunting on a horse a handful of times – he did beagle at Millfield School and at Sandhurst – but he was brought up in the village of Ditcheat.

This village in the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale country is where Paul Nicholls trains, is home to the Barber and Cobden families, and he and his sister were taught to ride by former Heythrop master and huntsman Charles Frampton’s mother.

He married into a Cheshire hunting family and has plenty of friends who hunt all across the country.

He’s a man of the countryside whose home, when he’s not in London or whizzing about the world, is in Cumbria, home of the Fell packs and his local hunt, the Vale of Lune Harriers.

After all, we have a surfeit of hunting knowledge between those fighting for our future – we don’t need that from Sir Ben; we need political acumen, experience and contacts.

He says: “I’m not trying to be the face of this campaign. What matters is that I use my political experience and whatever capital I have by going to see members of the Government and saying, ‘Do you really want this fight? This will be messy – do you really want it?’”

We are about two-thirds of the way through the consultation period that the Government announced on 26 March and which ends on 18 June.

Future for Hunting is pumping out communications to hunting communities, asking them to write to their MPs, to respond in various different ways to the consultation process, while submitting formal and detailed responses on our behalf.

Meetings are being held with key political figures, such as animal welfare minister Baroness Hayman, and funds are being raised for media campaigns and legal work.

“The Government don’t know how to ban a legitimate sport”

What happens when the consultation period ends?

“So the Government made its pledge to ban trail-hunting. What is absolutely clear is they don’t know how,” he says. “They don’t know how to ban a sport that is perfectly legitimate and which came out of their own Act [the Hunting Act 2004]. I think we have to persuade the Government now.”

He explains that sometimes governments know what they want to do once the consultation process is over, and act immediately.

“But also governments can use consultations to say, ‘This is all a bit difficult; we’ll push it into the long grass – this is easier said than done.’ That’s why governments don’t always fulfil their manifesto commitments – because it’s much harder than they thought when they were in opposition.

“It could be that at the end of this consultation, they don’t come back with anything for a year. It could be that it stalls if Keir Starmer falls under the political bus, they have a new leader, things freeze and priorities change. It could be that nothing happens at all – but it is much more likely that this Government is going to try to find some red meat to throw to the back benches, and this could be it.

“We’ll see what happens, but what’s really important is that the rural community says loud and clear to the 50 Labour MPs in rural seats that this shouldn’t be their priority right now. ‘You want to ban perfectly legitimate trail-hunting? You don’t seem to want to fix rural poverty, rural transport for schools, rural crime, pot holes… Is trail-hunting really your top priority right now?’”

Bringing the countryside together

Desperate as the hunting community is for some clarity about its fate, we’ve got to be patient, do what we are asked, reply to the consultation, lobby MPs and, importantly, unify as members of the countryside.

“We’ve got to bring the countryside together – it hasn’t always been easy in the past to get the major rural organisations to come together and be stronger in speaking out on a whole load of policy initiatives that this Government has, whether it is hunting, regulation on shooting, farm subsidies, inheritance tax and so on.

“We have to show the Government there is real political risk in what they are doing. If you view this as another attack on Britain’s identity, there’s a lot of jeopardy within Labour heartlands in that. What Jeremy Corbyn got so wrong is that outside of the London bubble, most Labour voters are deeply patriotic.

“And the other part of it is that rural people are predominantly the most law-abiding part of society, but we are now seeing a form of two-tier policing that when I was a security minister, we wouldn’t and shouldn’t have tolerated. There have been numerous failed prosecutions – there was one recently where the judge not only castigated the police, but also criticised them for falsification of evidence.

“Masked-up saboteurs – convicted bombers, people with ABH and GBH convictions – are aggressively bullying people on hunts and out in rural communities without being told to unmask. Whose side is the Government on? It’s an affront to our decency and our values. Policing should be without fear or favour.”

“We stand together or hang together,” says Sir Ben Wallace

There is a lot going on behind the scenes that cannot, publicly, be explained in detail; playing poker and telling your opposition exactly what cards you hold would be pretty stupid. This is also not the time to rake over the coals of the past regarding former strategies or in-fighting within the hunting community itself.

“I know how Government works”: Sir Ben Wallace plans to use his political acumen to fight Labour’s manifesto to ban trail-hunting. (Image credit: Getty Images)

“I know how the Government works and, after many years of representing people in North Lancashire, I know that rural communities are being left behind. So I bring that [as Future for Hunting chairman], but I also don’t have favourites. I’m not sitting here with a load of history of one side of the argument [between factions in the sport] or fighting for one group within it. I’m only interested in preserving this for our grandchildren, in preserving the infrastructure.

“This Government isn’t going anywhere for three, four years, maybe. It might have a different prime minister, but I served five prime ministers as a minister.

“The reality is that at the last general election, the party with the manifesto commitment to ban trail-hunting got elected with a huge number of MPs. I can’t change that – none of us can. What we can try to do is to make sure the Government sees that this isn’t something it wants to have a big, ugly fight about. We’ve got to get to the next election – it’s as simple as that.”

Sir Ben comes across well. He is frank, direct, down-to-earth and engaging. He clearly has the appetite for this political battle and the ability to lead. If he can bring all the various countryside factions – the NFU, British Association for Shooting and Conservation, The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, racing, those that represent the horsey community – together to oppose a trail-hunting ban because of a wider, pressing concern about how rural issues are treated, then we have real power to make the Government actually listen to us.

“We stand together or hang together,” he says, and he’s right.

To stay up to date with all the latest news on the Government’s consultation on how to ban trail-hunting, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Time to stand up and be counted as consultation opens on how to ban trail-hunting

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:22:36 +0000

We knew the moment was coming – now it is here, and time for trail-hunting supporters to “stand up and be counted”.

The Government has launched its promised consultation on how – not whether – to ban trail-hunting, which critics have described as “an attempt to distract from the real problems”.

The consultation runs until 18 June, and the Future for Hunting campaign, a joint initiative between the Countryside Alliance and the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) has put together a suggested response, completing which will also contact the respondent’s MP.

Trail-hunting ban: have your say

“We are proud to have established the Future for Hunting campaign, working in partnership with the Countryside Alliance, to fight these unjustified, disproportionate and deeply damaging proposals,” BHSA managing director Olly Hughes told H&H. “This is the moment for all supporters to come together behind one national campaign and show that we will stand up for this pursuit, which remains such an important part of rural life.

“Trail-hunting is lawful, legitimate and well regulated, and hunts remain an integral part of the fabric of rural life in England and Wales – supporting jobs, charities and a wider rural economy to which they contribute around £100m per annum.

“My message today is simple: to those who are members of hunts, those who support those hunts and the wider rural community, make your voice count by responding to the consultation and speaking to your MP. Tell your friends, family and wider supporters to get involved. It is only by all of us working together that we will show the Government this is the wrong priority at the wrong time for people in rural constituencies up and down the country.”

The Countryside Alliance accused the Government of “warped priorities”, pointing out that the last Labour Government spent 700 hours of parliamentary time debating the Hunting Act, which banned foxhunting but allowed trail-hunting.

Unnecessary and unjustified

CEO Tim Bonner said: “At a time when the countryside is on its knees as a result of misguided Government policies and a cost-of-living crisis heightened by war, the Government has again chosen to attack rural communities with another assault on rural life. A ban on trail-hunting is unnecessary, unjustified and unfair.”

A Defra spokesperson said the consultation is part of the Government’s delivery of its manifesto commitment.

“We want alternative practices such as draghunting and clean‑boot hunting, which use non‑animal scents, to continue to thrive,” the spokesperson said. “We recognise that hunts can support jobs and local businesses, and bring people together across the countryside. We are committed to ensuring that responsible rural pursuits, where there is no risk to our precious wildlife, can continue.”

Mr Hughes urged supporters to sign up to Future for Hunting and follow the campaign.

“We have known this moment was coming,” he said. “Now it is here, and it is time for everyone who cares about legal trail-hunting and the communities behind it to stand up and be counted.”

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‘An all-out war on the countryside’: Government accused of ‘warped priorities’ as trail-hunting ban consultation opens

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:45:49 +0000

The Government has been accused of having “warped priorities” as it launches its consultation on how – not whether – to ban trail-hunting, “in an attempt to distract from real problems”.

Defra announced today (26 March) that its consultation on the ban it promised before the 2024 general election has opened. Hunt supporters have been urged to wait a few days to respond, to ensure a unified response to this “assault on rural communities”.

“The news comes at a time when the Labour Government has already caused mass rural uproar with its family farm tax and proposals to restrict shotgun ownership and gamebird shooting, as part of what critics have branded an ‘all-out war on the countryside’,” a Countryside Alliance spokesperson said. “Rural pubs and businesses are currently facing unprecedented hardships as a result of Government policies and the ongoing war in the Middle East.

“Trail hunting contributes £100m to the rural economy every year, contributing to local economies, sustaining rural employment and supporting a wide network of small businesses – from farriers and feed merchants to country pubs and suppliers – across hundreds of constituencies.”

The Alliance pointed out that the last Labour Government spent 700 hours of parliamentary time debating the Hunting Act, which banned foxhunting but allowed trail-hunting.

Chief executive Tim Bonner said: “At a time when the countryside is on its knees as a result of misguided Government policies and a cost-of-living crisis heightened by war, the Government has again chosen to attack rural communities with another assault on rural life. A ban on trail-hunting is unnecessary, unjustified and unfair.

“This is nothing more than the Government attempting to distract from the real problems facing British people. Voters care about the countryside, the food on their table and cheaper energy bills; not toxic culture wars.

“With two in three voters believing that the Government does not care about the countryside, Sir Keir Starmer is running the very real risk of causing a permanent schism between Labour and the countryside. If the Government continues down this path, it will do nothing but confirm to rural people that Labour has warped priorities and a fundamental dislike of the countryside.”

Trail-hunting ban consultation

The Alliance cited a recent poll carried out by research specialists ORB, which found that 65% of voters feel Labour “unfairly neglects” people living in the countryside. Asked what the Government’s top priorities were, not one person mentioned banning trail-hunting.

Polly Portwin, director of the Alliance’s Campaign for Hunting, told H&H the team is analysing the consultation, which is open until 18 June, and will be issuing guidance to help people respond to it, so MPs know the true depth of support. H&H will share this as soon as it is available.

Ben Wallace chairs Future for Hunting, the joint Countryside Alliance and British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) campaign.

“When the Government should be focused on delivering for rural Britain, choosing instead to prioritise an ideological attack on a lawful countryside activity sends a troubling message about where its true priorities lie,” he said.

“This is clearly a misguided approach from Government coming at a time when all their focus should be on the cost of living and mitigating escalating fuel prices; an issue that disproportionately affects the countryside. The countryside deserves better than policymaking driven by prejudice rather than practical reality.”

Serious and immediate consequences

BHSA managing director Oliver Hughes added that a ban would have “serious and immediate consequences” for jobs, livelihoods and animal welfare.

“Thousands of people are directly and indirectly employed through hunting-related activity, and around 12,000 hounds are currently maintained and cared for by hunts,” he said. “Ministers have yet to explain what provision would be made for those hounds, or for the rural workers whose incomes depend on this sector.”

A Defra spokesperson said the consultation is part of the Government’s delivering of its manifesto commitment.

“Trail-hunting is where hounds follow a pre-laid animal-based scent across the countryside, mimicking traditional hunting,” a spokesperson said, adding that it “can result in wild animals, including foxes and hares, being injured or killed by dogs, as well as household pets in some cases” and that “concerns also persist around whether trail-hunting is being used by some as a ‘smokescreen’ to facilitate illegal hunting with dogs”.

H&H has asked Defra for the evidence on which these statements are based.

A “complex issue”

Animal welfare minister Baroness Sue Hayman said: “We pledged to ban trail-hunting in our manifesto and that is exactly what we intend to do.

“The nature of trail-hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild and domestic animals are not put at risk of being killed or injured – that is clearly unacceptable.

“We understand that this is a complex issue and so we are seeking views from everyone with an interest to help shape how we bring this forward.”

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Don’t hedge your vets! Much hilarity as equine surgeon takes ‘flying lesson’

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:36:27 +0000

If you’re going to end up deep in a hedge you’d intended to jump, it’s always best if there’s a friend on hand to catch it on camera.

That’s exactly what happened to vet Paul Thomason at the weekend, when out with the Cheshire; the young horse he was riding unexpectedly took aversion to one of the hedges and he landed in it. Luckily eventer Hayden Hankey was there to record the aftermath for posterity.

“He took a flying lesson, didn’t he!” Hayden told H&H.

Not much of Paul other than his boots is visible through the branches on Hayden’s video; only his voice can be heard asking if someone could catch his horse, who is standing politely peering down at his rider. As another rider takes the reins, a man comes to Paul’s aid – but is laughing so much, he’s unable to help.

“We were at the Horton meet and the hedges there are notoriously big and wide,” Hayden said. “All the lads on the quads, who are usually busy laying the trail, couldn’t help as they were laughing too much and all you could hear was Paul, on his back in the hedge and laughing. It didn’t slow him down either – he was straight back on.”

Hayden said he was also on a young horse, who had gone a bit green so was standing still, which meant he was perfectly placed to take a video.

“It’s had nearly 8,000 likes on social media, which is a bit crazy,” he said. “Paul and I are friends and have done a lot of team chasing, and this was quite an amusing day, to say the least!

“All horses are fine, all vets are fine, and everyone had a good laugh.”

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‘Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!’ Meet the two mules making waves on the bloodhounding field

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:23:14 +0000

Meet the two mules who went bloodhounding on the two biggest meets of the year, behaved impeccably and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Miley and Willow, owned by Joanna Lowes, turned some heads at the Three Counties Bloodhounds Boxing Day meet, and again on New Year’s Day, with Joanna and her partner Joey Pryce on board.

Joanna told H&H the two molly mules had been on fun rides and in busy atmospheres, but nothing like the town and city centres where the meets were held, after which they enjoyed cantering on the beach and jumping the fences.

“They just lapped it up,” she said. “They were so calm with all that environment; other horses were dancing and prancing around, and they just sort of stood still, quite happily accepted kids coming up to stroke them, and just stood there and absorbed it.

“They did cause a bit of a stir; one horse in particular didn’t like them and wanted to keep quite a distance but on the whole, they were so well received. I did email the master in advance, to say ‘Would it be ok if we bring two mules?’ They said as long as they were well behaved, that was fine. And a few people commented afterwards that they were the best behaved out of everybody out on the day.”

Picture by Andrew Lamnea Photography (Image credit: Andrew D J Lamnea)

Joanna said she worked with mules while she was an assistant to Monty Roberts, and there was something about their character she “fell in love with”.

“So when I saw one going cheap on Facebook marketplace, I went to have a look, picked her up and brought her home,” she said. “I backed her and got her riding, she started going out to do a few little showjumping competitions, then somebody on Facebook saw this and contacted me. They said they had a mule that was fairly troublesome, a bit bigger. She hadn’t really settled and due to personal circumstances, they couldn’t take her where they were going, and would I have her. So I ended up being gifted a second mule.”

So Willow, who stands about 15hh, came to join 14.2hh Miley, and was clearly the perfect mount for Joey.

“He’d never ridden a mule before he met me,” Joanna said. “And never thought he would!

“But he saw me riding her a few times, and I think by the time we’d gone through a bit of training and she was trotting and cantering quite nicely, he was actually itching to get on board. People laugh now that we’ve got a his and hers mule pack!”

Joanna said she likes the way mules’ brains work in general in a different way to horses’; they do not have the same flight instinct.

“They think through things a lot more; they internalise their feelings a lot more,” she said. “I think they’re harder to work with and harder to train, but that makes it so much more rewarding when they are on your side, and they do perform, and do well.

“If you grow up on the side of a mountain and get chased by something, there’s no benefit to running, as I understand it, they’re much better to stand still and just deliver a well-timed kick. In regards to training them, it’s got to be obvious there’s something in it for them. Training them with force or any overuse of pressure just doesn’t work, you end up with a resistant animal. But when you overdo the positive side and really make it clear that they’ll get a reward for compliance, they try to move mountains for you.”

More bloodhounding mules?

Joanna said she would love to see mules ridden more in this country; in the US this is much more common but in this country, “they’re often just here by accident”.

Asked what she would say to anyone who had not considered a mule, she added: “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

“Their movement is a bit different to horses; it takes a bit of getting used to. Imagine riding a cow, a very opinionated cow! And they honk; they do sort of a cross between a neigh and a bray with a sort of a honk in the middle. So when they do start going, they make quite a noise.

“It’s very obvious when they’re not enjoying something; those huge ears are like satellites, so when they do put them back, you do notice it. Willow, for certain, is very clear. If she doesn’t like something, the tail starts swishing, the ears go back and she’ll shut down and just say no, so you change the question and she says ‘All right’.”

Joanna said the ground is a bit too deep for the eight-year-olds’ tiny hooves at the moment so the plan is some unaffiliated dressage and jumping. And she joked that if a mammoth donkey stallion could be put to a thoroughbred mare, “I could breed an eventing mule”.

“Imagine that in six years’ time, going round Badminton grassroots on a mule, that would be the dream,” she said. “But don’t put that in Horse & Hound, someone will hold me to it!”

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‘He absolutely loves it’: Flat racing stallion who won over £1m takes to new bloodhounding life ‘like a duck to water’

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:04:53 +0000

A former Flat racing stallion who won over £1m and came second in the Melbourne Cup – and was not ridden for five years – has taken to his new life bloodhounding and draghunting “like a duck to water”.

Top stayer Marmelo, who was trained to Group success at home and abroad by Hughie Morrison, moved to Bruce Langley-McKim of Thorpeley Irish Draught & Rare Breed Stud last year aged 12, after years standing at stud – and is now having the time of his life.

Bruce told H&H Marmelo “didn’t get many mares” during his time at different studs, and someone suggested Bruce take him on.

“He’s having the time of his life,” Bruce said.

“We got him fit and jumped a few poles with him, then Cos Me Is Black lost a shoe and I needed to whip in for the Readyfield Bloodhounds. I thought ‘I’m going to have to take the thoroughbred’! And he absolutely loved it. He’s like an old man’s hunter who has been doing it all his life.”

Marmelo had seven wins for Hughie, including the Group Two Prix Maurice de Nieuil, and the Darley Prix Kergolay twice, and the Group Three Dubai Duty Free John Porter Finest Surprise Stakes. He broke course records at home and abroad, and was narrowly beaten by Cross Counter in the 2018 Melbourne Cup. But he had never jumped.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 06: Hugh Bowman riding Marmelo after finishing runner up in Race 7, Lexus Melbourne Cup during Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images) (Image credit: Vince Caligiuri)

Bruce said he initially took Marmelo out thinking that if the horse wasn’t enjoying himself, “I knew where the lorry was”.

“I took him out to the Cambridgeshire Draghounds’ team-chase course and thought if it didn’t go well, I could take him to the end and pretend we’d been there all along!” he said. “But in the end, we were beside the field master all day, and he’s never looked back.

“He’s fantastic with hounds and jumps anything you put in front of him.”

Bruce said Marmelo is a gentleman in the stable.

“My wife’s pregnant and I wouldn’t trust some of the stallions with her but he just wants love and attention,” he said.

Hughie told H&H he and his team always take a great deal of trouble to find horses good homes and lives after racing.

“I’m biased but there aren’t many horses who achieve what he did on the Flat and go on to hunting, taking it like a duck to water,” he said.

Hughie added that Marmelo deserved to win a Group One but as he was always being prepared for the Melbourne Cup when appropriate races were run, he did not contest them. Marmelo held track records at Chantilly and York racecourses.

“He was a very good Flat horse who broke two significant track records; what we never knew is how good he could have been over jumps,” Hughie said. “He had the speed to win the Champion Hurdle, and from his hunting exploits, he seems to have the aptitude to have no trouble jumping. He’s got many talents that should mean success as a sire of sport horses and the like. Bruce has done a fantastic job with him.”

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Pride, celebration and support – and uniting to fight for the future of legal trail-hunting

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:57:14 +0000

Pride, celebration, defiance and unity – this was the message across the country as tens of thousands of people showed their support for legal hunting – and now focus turns to the fight for the future.

Boxing Day meets traditionally draw huge crowds across the country but this year’s seemed even bigger, days after the Government confirmed that a consultation on how – not whether – to ban trail-hunting would come early this year.

“Boxing Day 2025 will live long in the memory of the hunting community, not merely for the large crowds and incredible scenes around the country highlighted across the media, but for the unmistakable sense that something profound may have shifted that day,” said Polly Portwin, head of the campaign for hunting at the Countryside Alliance.

“Those of us who stood shoulder to shoulder on village greens, in bustling town centres and on windswept verges where overflow parking spilled into fields, will know exactly what that shift felt like. It was pride. It was defiance. Above all, it was solidarity – an outpouring of support for our hounds, our hunts and the dedicated hunt staff who remain professional even in the face of relentless pressure.”

Ms Portwin said that the Government’s 22 December release of its animal welfare framework, which included reiteration of its manifesto commitment to ban trail-hunting, could have cast a shadow on Boxing Day meets.

“Instead, it acted as a spark,” she said. “From Cornwall to Northumberland, attendance figures soared and the message could not have been clearer: this community will not quietly fade away.

“We are under no illusion that politically we have a monumental fight on our hands. We have been preparing for this moment for some time, and under the leadership of Sir Ben Wallace, we are campaigning alongside the British Hound Sports Association to protect hunting’s future. The road ahead will be challenging, uncomfortable at times, and demanding of every one of us. But Boxing Day showed us something we must hold on to – we are not isolated voices crying into the wind. We are an extraordinary community, bound together by shared values, heritage and an unshakeable belief in what we do.

“This is not a cause we are creating from nothing, but an alliance already forged through years of shared adversity – and now is the moment to strengthen it, expand it and turn our collective resolve into lasting action. Boxing Day 2025 was not just a celebration of all that we hold dear. It was a call to arms.”

A quiet moment

Oliver Cornock, master of the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase, told H&H the crowd on Boxing Day was larger than usual, and the feeling from the thousands of people there included defiance and anger – and one quiet moment of joy and power.

“Just as I finished an interview with the ITV team and was preparing to remount, a gentleman approached me with his young son,” he said. “He explained that his son was non-verbal, but that he adored coming to see the hounds at the meet. I introduced myself and asked the boy’s name; his father told me it was Oliver – my name too, I replied. He wore spectacles, and by way of connection I pointed out that I do as well.

“I asked whether he might like to stroke one of the hounds, and his father explained that he doesn’t usually touch animals. At that moment, a particularly woolly, very typically Bicester hound was standing nearby. I beckoned her over, stroked her, and pointed out how soft her ears were. Tentatively, the boy reached out. The look of joy on his face – and the sense of achievement and reassurance for both father and son – was incredibly moving.

“Against the backdrop of the headlines and heated debate surrounding trail-hunting this Christmas, this small, quiet moment felt especially powerful. It spoke to the extraordinary nature of these animals. Yes, they can cover many miles in a day’s trail-hunting, and yes, their pedigrees are long and distinguished – but their careful training and socialisation also give them the ability to connect with people and touch lives in the most unexpected and profound ways. Here’s hoping that they will be able to continue doing so for many more years to come.”

The next steps

Ms Portwin told H&H the focus is now on “what really matters next”.

“Preparing for the upcoming consultation, encouraging as many people as possible to sign up to our Action for Hunting initiative so we can contact them to take action when required, while making sure that every hunt continues to show that it is operating within the law,” she said.

“This is about harnessing the momentum from festive meets and standing together to secure the future of our packs of hounds.”

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Sassy, determined and doing it the old-school way: meet the tiny pony and rider showing adults how it’s done

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:04:14 +0000

Meet the tiny pony and rider who have been showing the grown-ups how it’s done on the trail-hunting field – and enjoying every minute of it.

Stella Musgrave’s nine-year-old daughter Betty – who has only been riding for 18 months – and 12hh Welsh section A mare Valentine are regulars with the Badsworth, Bramham, York South hunt. Stella told H&H others often remark on how nice it is to see youngsters out in the field – and that Betty is thriving on what may be an older-fashioned approach to riding.

“She rides bareback all the time, which I think is why she’s got such a good seat,” Stella said. “She rides in a headcollar and lead rope, and she’ll ride anything.”

Stella has always ridden but her older two children were not interested. She said Betty did start having lessons when she was younger but Covid put a halt to it. Then 18 months ago, she started again and has not looked back.

“We got her little Val last October, and it went from there,” Stella said. “I have a rescue horse who we backed last year; he’s brilliant and she rides him as well. She rides a friend’s horse to jump and we’ve got a section D, who she rides as well.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Valentine is just brilliant; she can be very sassy but she’s really good out hunting. We go out as many weekends as we can and we just tend to stay at the back. Bett is a little wild; she has a reputation as being a bit of a daredevil. So we go out and they absolutely love it.”

Betty – whose favourite fence to tackle is a ditch, and who told H&H she loves trail-hunting as “I like going fast!” – also showjumps and takes part in Pony Club activities, as well as hacking everywhere and riding on the beach.

“She’s got a really good seat, all from experience,” Stella said. “We go all over the place, always out hacking or riding. People always say ‘I can’t believe she can ride like that for her age’. And when I say she’s only been riding 18 months, people are shocked.

“But apart from the really young, lead-rein, children, there’s not really any kids out hunting any more. We were always jealous if we couldn’t go to the meet, and there were always loads of kids there. People at the hunt always say that we really need to get more kids coming up, and enjoying it. They love the fact Betts is out enjoying the fun, and giving it her all with her sassy, determined, confident little attitude.”

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Farewell to much-loved horseman who was ‘fierce across country’

Becky Murray — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 13:03:32 +0000

Tom Barlow, the much-loved former master of the South Notts Hunt has died, aged 87.

Mr Barlow was born in Cropwell Bishop, Nottinghamshire, on 5 June 1938. He was a self-taught rider, and learned how to back horses from George Coombs.

He had horses at hunting livery for people including Lord Belper, Lord and Lady King, former British Showjumping chairman John Blakeway, Lord and Lady Somerleyton and many others from London and elsewhere. He would hunt with the Quorn on Mondays and the Belvoir on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and he was field master with the South Notts on Thursdays. He was formerly a minder for King Charles when he hunted with the Quorn.

Mr Barlow was field master of the South Notts for joint-masters John Thompson, Bill Walker and Charles Stirling in 1984 for three seasons, when they would have up to 200 riders at the opening meet at The Bear Inn at Alderwasley every year.

Mr Barlow hunted for 58 seasons. He always said that part of being a good field master was going to see the farmers the day before and the day after a hunting day. His art to running a good hunting livery yard was schooling his clients’ horses for them the day before they hunted.

He was a much-loved hunting man who was fierce across country, whether he was on a green four-year-old or an established 10-year-old. He gave up hunting when he broke his femur for the second time. The stable yard is now rented by his grandson Jonathan Barlow, who trains National Hunt horses and hunts.

A South Notts meet is taking place in Mr Barlow’s memory on 13 November. For more information visit: horseandhound.co.uk/tbmemorial

Government ‘fires the starting gun’ on plans to ban trail-hunting

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:23:27 +0000

The Government has “fired the starting gun” on its pledge to ban trail-hunting as it confirms that a consultation will be launched early next year – and the community is ready to fight.

Defra minister Angela Eagle reiterated Labour’s manifesto promise of a ban, in parliament on 30 October, and stated that the consultation will be on “how to deliver a full ban” – not whether or not a ban should be imposed. But the hunting community has responded in robust fashion.

Ben Wallace, chair of the joint British Hound Sports Association and Countryside Alliance hunting campaign, said: “Legislating on trail-hunting is completely out of step with the priorities of rural voters and those in towns and cities.

“The last time Labour was in government, Tony Blair wasted 700 hours of parliamentary time banning traditional hunting and with so many other urgent issues facing the country it is madness that ministers are now planning to spend even more time on trail-hunting.

“After its attack on family farms and the chaos over agri-environmental schemes, legislation on trail-hunting is another Labour attack on the countryside. A ban on trail-hunting is unnecessary and unjustified.”

Mr Wallace said the challenge to the hunting community may be greater than it was in 2004, before the Hunting Act came into force, owing to the large Labour majority and the manifesto commitment to a ban.

“Together we have two clear tasks,” he said. “First to demonstrate unequivocally and unarguably that trail-hunting is a legal and legitimate activity, then to communicate that fact to every politician in Westminster through the media and lobbying. The Government has fired the starting gun. We must be ready to respond.”

Ms Eagle had been asked by fellow Labour MP Ian Byrne about proposals to strengthen the Hunting Act, including introducing prison sentences for illegal hunting, as well as the trail-hunting ban.

“This Government is committed to enacting a ban on trail-hunting in line with our manifesto commitment,” Ms Eagle replied. “Work to determine the best approach for doing so is ongoing and a consultation seeking views on how to deliver a full ban will be held early next year.”

Damaging lives

Ed Swales, chair of campaign group Hunting Kind, told H&H the news is “further misguided and prejudiced rhetoric from a Government so out of touch with its rural and farming electorate that it would be laughable if it wasn’t so damaging to people’s lives”.

“This is an election loser for Labour when balanced against today’s real-life priorities,” he said. “This latest attack is not about animal welfare nor ever has been. It’s a wilfully ignorant and discriminatory attempt at a human versus human conflict couched around an ill-informed and anthropomorphic view of how we coexist with nature.

“To conflate the unquestionably legal equine and canine sport of following trails with the scientific, ethical and cultural basis of wildlife management is to highlight a complete lack of understanding, again. This rides roughshod over the protectable beliefs of a community cultural minority and tramples diversity into the ground.

“Having wasted 700 hours of parliamentary time trying to restrict elements of hunting, Tony Blair stated that it was his biggest single political regret while in office. Will today’s Labour continue to give itself cause for regret?”

On 29 October, at a conference organised by Hunting Kind, Reform’s David Jones said: “If this Labour Government bans trail-hunting, an activity in which no animal is pursued, the next Reform Government will reverse that ban.”

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Hounds in full cry as MPs back national trail-hunting day

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:38:17 +0000

Hounds were in full cry for the second British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) national trail-hunting day on 10 October.

Supporters, councillors and MPs went to meets across England on a day aimed at demonstrating how hounds work and allowing others to meet those who care for them.

“At the Wilton Hunt, Sir Julian Lewis MP (Conservative, New Forest East) spoke of the professionalism and welcome he found there, and David Smith MP (Labour, North Northumberland) attended the Percy Hunt, later describing it as an ‘informative occasion’ and thanking those present for showing him their ‘passion for what they do’,” a BHSA spokesperson said.

“He added that good democracy means ‘welcoming people with different opinions to the table’ – a sentiment warmly echoed across the countryside.”

Liberal Democrat MP Rachel Gilmour, who visited the West Somerset Hunt earlier last week, said: “I love my rural community, and trail-hunting provides both a financial and mental health boost to large parts of my constituency. Trail-hunting is a safe and legal practice.”

BHSA managing director Oliver Hughes told H&H it was “hugely encouraging” to see MPs from the main parties taking the time to see trail-hunting for themselves.

“Their visits showed a real willingness to understand how hunts operate, the care shown to hounds, and the contribution this community makes to rural life across the country,” he said.

The Labour Government has repeatedly vowed to come good on its manifesto promise to ban trail-hunting.

“At one meet, a speaker reminded those gathered that ‘winter in the countryside can be a very lonely place, and trail-hunting – and the hunts themselves – are what bring people together’,” the BHSA spokesperson said. “That same pride and openness were reflected at the Bedale, Waveney Harriers, North Cotswold, Old Surrey, Burstow and West Kent, and Cotley Harriers meets, where crowds gathered to celebrate the hounds, the people, and the shared traditions that hold rural life together. Wherever hounds meet, the countryside stands strong.”

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‘Incurable optimism’ and enduring popularity: farewell to hugely influential horseman

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:59:49 +0000

Jim Lang, the hugely influential figure in the hunting world, died on 31 July, aged 86.

Jim came to the Burton Hunt as whipper-in at the beginning of the 1966 season when Arthur Lockwood was master and thus began a relationship, indeed friendship, with the Lockwood family and the Burton Hunt that lasted until the day he died nearly 60 years later.

Jim was born in St Day in Cornwall, where his father was stud groom to Percival Williams, master of the Four Burrow Hunt. Not learning to ride until after he left school, he nonetheless proved an excellent jockey spurred on initially by the promise of “10 shillings more in his pay packet when he learned to bump the saddle”.

His work for the Williams family involved riding side-saddle to school Mrs Williams’ horse and on occasion riding as second horseman bareback so a single saddle could be used for both horses.

When his national service call-up papers arrived, Percival was advised by the Duke of Beaufort that work in a hunt kennel could exempt you from the call-up. So Jim secured a role as kennelman/second whipper-in with Dermot Kelly in the Meynell country.

From the Meynell, Jim progressed to second whipper-in at the Quorn, whose hounds were hunted by Jack Littleworth, one of the finest professional huntsmen of the day. First whipper-in was Michael Farrin.

Jim came to the Burton and whipped in to Jack King in 1966, but the following season Jack left and at the age of 27 Jim started hunting the hounds. That season was blighted by foot-and-mouth disease and hounds never hunted after the opening meet. Jim continued as huntsman for 41 seasons, retiring in 2008.

Having fun

Jim taught and mentored a number of whippers-in who went on to be successful huntsmen, and gave good advice to many amateur huntsmen. This always included, “Never forget that whoever it is, in a car or on a horse, they are out hunting to have fun.” Having fun was a major part of Jim’s life, whether hunting or bringing up his children.

Jim would speak to anybody and everybody. Farmers, farm workers, car-followers, policemen, people he knew well or didn’t know at all, all got the benefit of a smile and joke in his never-to-be-lost Cornish accent.

Jim had many successes showing Burton hounds at Great Yorkshire and Peterborough in open and restricted classes.

He retired in 2008 and helped run a bed and breakfast with his partner, Julie.

Jim was a man of incurable optimism who always looked on the bright side of life; nearly 400 people attended his funeral, which is testament to his enduring popularity.

Jim is survived by his ex-wife, Christine, their daughters Jo and Cathy, his partner of some 40 years, Julie, and their daughter Helen.

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What to wear out hunting –for autumn hunting and season proper

Georgia Guerin — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:35:06 +0000

Going out with your local pack and wondering what to wear out hunting? If you haven’t been hunting before, one thing you don’t want to be worrying about is looking the part. Follow our tips and you’ll be smart, comfortable and look like you’ve been going for years.

The main thing to bear in mind before you go hunting is that it can be a fairly long day, so for maximum enjoyment you need to be warm and comfortable.

It is far more important to be clean, tidy and safe than to buy any additional clothing that you may not wear again.

There are some specifics when it comes to hunting turnout – for you and your horse – but the general rule of thumb is to dress along similar lines to if you were going to a competition (minus any bling) and take pride in how smart you look. It’s highly unlikely you’ll be turned away if you get it wrong – especially if you look like you’ve really made an effort. If there’s anything you’re still unsure about after reading this guide, contact your hunt’s secretary and they’ll be more than happy to help.

What to wear for autumn hunting

(Image credit: www.sarahfarnsworth.co.uk)

If you’re going before your pack’s opening meet (usually around late October/early November), you should follow the dress code for autumn hunting. This dress code is also suitable for autumn hound exercise, which is a great introduction to hunting.

For you:

tweed jacket (also known as ratcatcher)
shirt with appropriate collar (depending on whether you have a stock or tie)
coloured stock or tie (like this one) – Pony Club members can wear Pony Club ties
pale breeches
short boots and gaiters/half-chaps or long boots – make sure they’re clean
dark riding gloves (brown looks best with tweed, but really any colour will be fine)
riding hat – with a dark hat silk if you have a jockey skull
hairnet (like this one)

For your horse:

plain saddle-shaped numnah in black or brown
clean correctly fitted tack
unplaited – but tidy – mane
coloured ribbon in tail if necessary (red = liable to kick, green = young horse, white = for sale)

What to wear out hunting

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

In the season proper (opening meet onwards), there are a few changes to the dress code.

For you:

black or navy wool hunting coat, but if you’re unlikely to go regularly a plain, dark show jacket will be fine (just add an extra base layer under your shirt)
shirt with stock collar
light-coloured stock (like this one) – Pony Club members can wear Pony Club ties
pale breeches – waterproof breeches are a bonus, and dark are acceptable if that’s all you have
short boots and gaiters/half-chaps or long boots – make sure they’re clean
riding gloves – again, waterproof a bonus
riding hat – with a dark hat silk if you have a jockey skull
hairnet (like this one)

For your horse:

plain saddle-shaped numnah in black or brown
clean correctly fitted tack
coloured ribbon in tail if necessary (red = liable to kick, green = young horse, white = for sale)

Can you wear a body protector out hunting?

Yes, you may wear a body protector, and if you would like to wear an air jacket, do so. They are both becoming more commonplace on the hunting field. You should also wear a suitable riding helmet (with a dark navy/black silk if you have a jockey skull).

Do I need to plait for hunting?

Plaiting is not expected for autumn hunting, or for native breeds. It is traditional to plait from the opening meet and during the main hunting season. However, it is never compulsory to do so.

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‘He put everything into all he did’: farewell to a perfectionist who stepped up to resolve a crisis

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 17:22:33 +0000

Well known and effective master of the Quorn Hunt Captain Fred Barker has died aged 88.

Fred had an initial 13-year term at the helm in the 1970s and 1980s, returning for a further three seasons as an immediate and selfless response to the greatest crisis in the hunt’s long history.

A considerable landowner in Wiltshire, Fred was born into a way of life in which hunting was a natural part of the order of things. His father “Gar” Barker and his mother were both joint masters of the Vale of the White Horse in the 1950s and 1960s, and his aunt, Effie Barker, was a long-time master of the Garth and South Berks.

As field master in the Monday country, he had a reputation for being a martinet in the control of the very large numbers of hard-riding followers. As a former officer in the 11th Hussars, he was a perfectionist and ran every day’s hunting like a military operation. His style of field mastering was not easy for his professional huntsmen – and he had two of the best in Michael Farrin at the Quorn and Sidney Bailey at the VWH – who found him a difficult master to please.

Always immaculately turned out and beautifully mounted, he was married to the former Venetia Quarry, who elegantly rode side-saddle in the first flight. His second wife was the former Penny Oppenheimer, a polished horsewoman and dedicated to foxhunting.

After 13 successful seasons Fred retired as a master and returned to his home in the VWH country, taking on the mastership there for a further six seasons. Meanwhile the Quorn supporters had been infiltrated by a mole from the League Against Cruel Sports, who took video film of the hunt allegedly breaking Masters of Foxhounds Association rules. Following considerable publicity, a strong leadership was clearly needed and Fred Barker was invited to take over as sole master forthwith, which he did for a further three seasons.

In later life, Fred and Penny became involved in eventing, owning several top-class horses, in recent years ridden by Tom McEwen.

Fred was a perfectionist who put everything into whatever he undertook.

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Farewell to countryman and steward who made ‘huge contribution’ to British racing

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 15 May 2025 18:03:06 +0000

Few individuals combined a love of hunting and racing as well as William Pitcairn Nunneley, who died on 23 April, aged 77.

William was born in Wuppertal, West Germany, on 23 March 1948 to Major David Nunneley (Gordon Highlanders) and his wife Rosemary, who became a well-known secretary of the Cotswold Hunt. He was brought up in Gloucestershire. William’s father had been a prisoner of war of the Japanese and his early death aged 53 was attributed to the treatment he suffered on the infamous railway.

William’s early hunting days were with the New Forest Beagles, whose master and huntsman Bryan Day mentored the enthusiasm of his schoolboy whipper-in. Thwarting his father’s enthusiasm for the Army, William went as a farm student to the Scottish borders and Africa but his love of the foxhound steered him to his first mastership of the Tedworth in Wiltshire.

His early “tutors” were Sir Hugh Arbuthnot Bt MFH at the Cotswold and professional practitioners such as Ronnie Colbeck (Cotswold) and Sidney Bailey of the VWH. These knowledgeable hunters taught him professionalism in the way hounds were produced. They also encouraged his preference for using a Köhler Countess of Lonsdale, a hunting horn rarely seen today.

After two seasons, in 1970 he moved to Northumberland and began seven memorable years hunting the Morpeth with Ron Mackay as his kennel-huntsman. Team Nunneley/Mackay bred Morpeth Dragon 75, probably the best working doghound of William’s hunting career.

When not hunting the Morpeth hounds he watched northern houndmen such as Martin Letts MFH (College Valley/North Northumberland) and George Fairburn MFH (Tynedale). In 1976 he married Fiona Grant, then working in Northumberland.

His wife had Yorkshire connections and by 1977 they moved further south; William taking the horn with the Bedale and later with the Middleton. William and Fiona had three children; Andrew, Miranda and Olivia.

William’s love of racing grew with his appointment as a full-time judge in 1979. Largely owing to his friendship with Tor Lane Fox of Bramham Park, William took the Bramham Moor hounds in 1983.

Increasing racing meant his hunting was limited to bye days and his appointment as a key stewards’ secretary resulted in him retiring from that mastership in 1990. Becoming the head of stewarding in 2002, William retired in 2013 after more than 30 years of making a huge contribution to British racing.

In 1990, William married distinguished sculptress Caroline Wallace (née Doyne-Ditmas). They have one son, Fergus. He inherited a son and daughter; Harry and Philippa, known as Pea, Wallace.

Throughout his life William had a sense of humour arguably inherited from his soldier father. Described by National Hunt trainer Kim Bailey as “of the old school, but exercised that with charm and would take you on one side for a word rather than throw you in front of the stewards”.

His wit was seen at an early age when a pack of beagles ran through a convent garden being tended by nuns. The sisters were alarmed but young Nunneley approached stating: “I have sent the Almighty a card and His secretary said it was all right.” Calm prevailed.

His views on most subjects tended to be black or white. Possessing high standards, he never lost his charm but was critical when necessary. He was fair and well respected on and off the racecourse. William was fun and a terrific host especially while living on Exmoor, and latterly in Naunton, Gloucestershire. The Nunneley house was never empty and his legendary decency remained with him throughout his courageous fight.

William Nunneley died at home. Adored husband, father, grandfather, proper foxhunter, and keen racing man, he is survived by his wife Caroline, sister Fiona Dwyer, his children and grandchildren. William’s step-sister, Susan Hawksley, predeceased him.

There will be a thanksgiving service at St Andrew’s Church, Naunton, at 11am on 7 June. Those wishing to attend please contact family at WPNmemorial@gmail.com.

‘This is our fight’: rallying call as Government pushes on towards trail-hunting ban

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:38:09 +0000

“This is our fight and the time has come to stand together” is the rallying call as the Government has confirmed a consultation on banning trail-hunting.

Ministers have also been accused of “putting prejudiced party politics ahead of the priorities of ordinary people”, as they push on with their plans.

Before it won power last year, Labour said it would bring in a ban, and has reiterated this intention since. In a debate in parliament on 1 April, Defra minister Daniel Zeichner told MPs the Government is “working to move this forward and will deliver a thorough consultation later this year”.

Opening discussions, MP Perran Moon said: “It is imperative that as lawmakers we address the concerns surrounding trail-hunting.”

Mr Moon said he has “no issues with drag-hunting” but claimed, without citing sources, that “there is now overwhelming evidence to suggest that trail-hunting has become a thinly veiled pretence for illegal hunting activities”.

He quoted League Against Cruel Sports (LACS) analysis that “reveals that trail-hunting has been used as a defence in cases involving alleged illegal hunting by registered hunts”, adding: “Around 80% of the British public support the ban on hunting with dogs, and many of those people would like to see trail-hunting banned as well”, with no source given for this figure.

MP Rachael Maskell claimed: “The fact that 46% of registered trail hunts end up chasing a fox proves that the law needs tightening up and that we need tougher sentencing”, again citing no source for this figure.

MP Jim Shannon pointed out that trail-hunting is a matter for devolved governance.

“[Do you] agree that the hunting community deserve to have their voices heard and considered in that legislative process?” he asked Mr Moon. “The hunting community would dispute some of what has been said tonight.”

MP Dan Norris, who said he “should declare an interest as chair of LACS”, said trail-hunting was “designed to get around the current legislation”.

Summing up, Mr Zeichner quoted the number of incidents reported by LACS, of “suspected” illegal hunting and hunts “causing distress or nuisance”, adding: “That is why the Government is committed to going further by putting in place a ban.”

British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) managing director Oliver Hughes told H&H the debate in parliament may have been framed on trail-hunting, “but what was said in the chamber revealed a much wider threat”.

“This is no longer just about one lawful activity. It’s a direct attempt to dismantle all forms of legal hunting with hounds,” he said.

“A range of contested statistics were presented in support of that agenda – many drawn from campaign groups with a vested interest in ending hunting altogether, and repeated in parliament without scrutiny or balance.

“Trail-hunting is already subject to the Hunting Act. It is lawful, regulated, and carried out with landowner permission to the highest welfare standards. For MPs to suggest otherwise – and to propose making trail-hunting a notifiable offence, introducing custodial sentences and removing legal exemptions – is not just wrong, it’s deeply offensive to those who work tirelessly to uphold those standards and comply with the law.”

Mr Hughes said the consultation announcement was the most serious comment made.

“That process will matter – and we will be ready,” he said.

“The BHSA has already begun preparing. We are briefing MPs, coordinating legal advice, correcting misinformation in the press and engaging directly with Defra. We are calm, professional, and fully committed.

“We knew this moment would come – and now the starting gun has been fired. Now is the time to show your support for hounds. If you care about legal hunting – and about the communities, the culture, and the working hounds that rely on it – this is the time to stand together. This is not someone else’s fight. This is ours. And the BHSA will speak for you.”

Countryside Alliance CEO Tim Bonner added: “The last Labour Government wasted 700 hours of parliamentary time banning foxhunting and it is frankly extraordinary ministers are planning to devote more time to trying to ban trail-hunting.

“The countryside, and the country, are facing huge challenges. By focusing on such an irrelevant issue Labour is putting prejudiced party politics ahead of the priorities of ordinary people.”

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‘Fly high, my beautiful boy’: farewell to horse who showed that ‘miracles can happen’

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 18:51:33 +0000

The owner of a horse who excelled across the country has paid tribute to the “miracles” that can happen with a strong partnership – and a “heart the size of a lion”.

Becky Taylor’s Important Moment (Mo) had to be put down in March after an injury, aged 16. In the years Mo and Becky were together, they won the Silver Spur and the Harborough hunt races, came second in the Wynnstay and Gloucestershire steeplechases and finished third in the Melton and Quorn hunt races. They also “won” the Golden Button; they finished first but as Mo’s weight cloth came off before the last fence, they did not officially take the title.

“I wish I could bottle the feeling he gave me; he felt like he would do anything for me,” Becky told H&H. “It was just ecstatic. He was the horse of a lifetime, in so many ways.”

Becky bought Mo, who had point-to-pointed, in early 2019, with the aim of fulfilling her “burning ambition” to compete in hunt races.

“And he just turned out to be amazing,” she said. “In all ways; not just the races but in temperament and how easy he was. He was my world.”

Becky and Mo during the 2022 Golden Button (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Covid scuppered Becky’s initial plans but they hunted when they could, which Becky said was a positive as they both enjoyed it, and built their partnership.

“Then I decided to go for it and entered the Wynnstay, my first ever hunt race – and we came second,” she said. “A really kind man called Paul Ikin, who had done lots of races, said I should sit middle of the pack on my first one, so that was the plan, but Mo just dragged me all the way to the front, and we were top three the whole way.

“It was surreal, and I think if I’d had more experience, we could have won, but I was over the moon with second, and had such a buzz from it. Then I think our next one was the Silver Spur, and we won, which was amazing.”

Mo had that summer off, then the pair started hunting again, with an eye on the next February’s Golden Button.

“The entries opened in November but I fell asleep on the sofa!” Becky said. “They filled up straight away, and I woke up the next day horrified I’d missed it.”

Becky and Mo were put on the waiting list, and they got their ticket.

“I went into the Golden Button not really knowing how massive it was – and had the ride of my life and won,” Becky said. “But the twist was that I lost my weight cloth just before the last fence, and got disqualified because of course I couldn’t weigh in. We’d won by a long way, round such a huge course, and the organiser was so kind, and did give me a golden button. So I didn’t get the official win, but I had never jumped hedges like those, and Mo was just insane.”

But shortly afterwards, Becky did get her “ultimate dream” win, in the Harborough ride.

“That’s our home race as I’m with the Fernie hunt,” she said. “It was a super-long course and we won by such a long way; he was fantastic.

“That was the best day ever – better than my wedding! My husband knows that, and he’s fine about it. That year, 2022, was the best of my life; the Golden Button, the Harborough, other races, and I got married. Ollie my husband doesn’t mind; he always knew he was below Mo in the pecking order!

“Mo was at my wedding; I wasn’t sure whether to have him there but he was a saint and I’m so glad he was there. He loved it.”

Mo had a break while Becky was pregnant – and Becky said the timing fitted perfectly.

Mo and Problem at home (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I pulled up in the 2023 Harborough as he didn’t feel quite right,” she said. “It turned out he’d picked up a thorn so he had some time off, and I thought ‘Now’s the time to have a baby; while he’s off, I can be off’! I had my little girl, Winnie, and my sister Penny kindly got him fit for me. So 10 days after giving birth, I went for a hack, and three days after that went hunting. I couldn’t get my boots on as my ankles were so swollen but I was determined to go with him because he was the best boy.”

Becky praised Mo’s gentleness, especially with Winnie, and how easy and relaxed he always was.

“He and my sister’s horse Problem, who she raced, were the ultimate best friends, they were inseparable,” she added. “He did fabulously in the Harborough the other week, and Penny took a bit of Mo’s tail, so he went round with her.

“He was unbelievable. I didn’t really know what I was doing but the partnership we had – we aren’t professional, or have the facilities to train to our full potential. But it just shows if you have a horse who has a heart of a lion and the partnership me and Mo did then miracles can happen, and boy did that happen for us.

“What a horse. Fly high, my beautiful boy. I owe you everything.”

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Farewell to respected former master and huntsman

Becky Murray — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 11:02:57 +0000

By Richard Griffiths

Gordon Ronald Jones, the former master and huntsman died on 4 February, aged 96.

Gordon was the son of Ronald Percival Michael-Jones and Jacqui, née Brooks. His father was hunting hounds in Northern Ireland at the time, but his mother returned to Wales for the whelping. His father came back and hunted the Llangibby and Pentyrch Foxhounds.

He was educated at Abergavenny grammar school, after which his first jobs were in racing stables and helping his father who was at the Holkham Harriers. In 1946, encouraged by his father, Gordon went to the the Happy Valley race track in Hong Kong as a jockey.

Gordon left Hong Kong and joined Royal Navy frigate HMS Alacrity, where he became a signwriter. He also boxed for the Navy and played football for them. On his return to Portsmouth, he declined an offer to play football professionally. In 1952, he was helping his father at the Holkham Harriers when he married Kathleen. They had four daughters – Sue, Wendy, Viv and Mandy.

In 1953, Gordon moved to Monmouthshire under the mastership of Colonel Harry Llewellyn as whip and terrier man. Unfortunately, he had a fall over a cliff; the horse survived, but he was paralysed for six months. He was soon back in action from 1954 to 1957 as second horseman for Mr Towler, MFH of the South Shropshire.

From 1957 to 1958, he was at Kelso racing stables, then from 1958 to 1959, he was whip to the Badsworth. The following season, he was whip to the Dartmoor where there was no jumping until, on the last day of the season, a gate was too much of a temptation and he fell and broke his leg.

He went to the Tedworth from 1960 to 1963 then North Shropshire until 1966. He was with the Weston Harriers, as they then were, from 1966 to 1967, the first time as huntsman.

Next came the West Shropshire from 1967 to 1972, during which time they amalgamated with the Tanatside, then he had a slight change, hunting the North East Cheshire Drag Hounds from 1972 to 1974, followed by a year out.

In 1975, he became huntsman at the Cotswold Vale where he met Diane Turner who lived in Cambridge, Gloucestershire, mainly hunting with the Berkeley, competing in triathlons and involved with the Pony Club. They married on 7 July 1977.

The Weston and Banwell Harriers had amalgamated, and Gordon was master and huntsman from 1979 to 1983. He moved on to the South Herefordshire from 1983 to 1994, Di joining him in the mastership in 1990. Gordon hunted the hounds for five seasons then Diane took over for the remaining six.

Baily’s Hunting Directory says the most notable mastership was Mrs Simmons from 1931 to 1951 and 1956 to 1961. “However, Mr and Mrs Gordon Jones’s 11 seasons proved to be a very successful period.”

From there followed two years’ retirement in Herefordshire, followed by the move to Dolycoed, Llanfallteg in 1996. Here they hosted shows, hunter trials and dressage events for the Carmarthenshire and South Pembrookeshire hunts. They also accommodated the Vale of Taf branch of the Pony Club. They were kept busy with bed and breakfast and the holiday cottage, where Diane’s mother had lived.

Sadly, Gordon’s back stopped him riding eventually, but Diane persuaded him to follow by car with his friend Richard Griffiths.

At Richard’s housewarming party at Llwynrheol, Pembrokeshire, Gordon was introduced to Celia Cook, a former master of beagles. It led to a number of happy years travelling all over the country, mainly for race meetings.

Amazingly, when Gordon retired to Llanfallteg, he didn’t know how to put a bridle on a horse. For all his life, others had done it for him.

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Government plans to ban trail-hunting will ‘cause even more suffering’ say experts

Lucy Elder — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:45:18 +0000

A call for the Government to appoint an independent body to review existing legislation and determine whether the Hunting Act should be amended, repealed or retained has been made in a new political briefing paper.

The 2025 paper, “Broken Countryside”, is by environmental writer Charlie Pye-Smith and animal welfare consultant Jim Barrington.

It is a summary of the “Rural Wrongs” project, in which the authors set out to investigate how the 2004 Hunting Act has affected formerly hunted species. The pair spoke to those involved in countryside management across Britain and Ireland, and consulted scientists studying fox, deer and hare populations. Those findings were published in 2023 in the book, Rural Wrongs: Hunting and the Unintended Consequences of Bad Law, which was reprinted in 2025 – coinciding with the publication of the briefing paper.

The paper states that the authors’ aim is to “inform legislators and others about how the 2004 Hunting Act has made life worse for both animals and people and to stimulate debate”.

“We now have clear evidence that the 2004 legislation has caused extensive animal suffering. The Labour Government has recently pledged to introduce legislation to ban trail-hunting without considering whether this could cause even more suffering. There is absolutely no doubt that a ban would have a negative impact on the rural economy and local communities,” it states.

“The purpose [of this briefing paper] is to encourage politicians to think carefully before compounding the misery caused by the 2004 Act by introducing even more restrictive legislation.”

When H&H contacted Defra for comment on the call for an independent body to review legislation, among other parts of the paper, a Defra spokesperson said that this government will ban trail-hunting, as set out in its manifesto.

Mr Barrington told H&H the paper summarises the project’s findings and describes “the detrimental impact of the Hunting Act on wild animal welfare”.

“It then addresses how a ban on trail-hunting would have a devastating impact on the rural economy and countryside communities. Indeed, we believe a trail-hunting ban would have a greater impact on rural life than the Hunting Act itself,” he said.

“The document also suggests a range of possible steps that might be taken in the future to properly address the issues of cruelty and the use of hounds in wildlife management – something anti-hunting groups are always reluctant to engage in or explore.”

The briefing paper highlights what a trail-hunting ban would mean for animals, rural communities and rural trades.

“Broken Countryside shows that such a measure would be a disaster for tens of thousands of people and for domestic animal welfare,” stated a press release accompanying the briefing paper. “The bans would make some 10,000 hounds redundant. Most would have to be put down. Thousands of hunting horses would also be surplus to requirements.”

A British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) spokesperson told H&H it “fully supports” the call for an independent review, but this “must go beyond the Hunting Act 2004 to include all wildlife legislation under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981”.

“Laws shaped by ideology rather than evidence have created a fragmented and inconsistent framework that too often fails to protect animal welfare and undermines responsible wildlife management,” said the BHSA spokesperson.

“Poorly conceived legislation has led to less humane wildlife control, ineffective conservation practices and increasing challenges for those managing the countryside.”

The spokesperson added that instead of reviewing individual laws in isolation, a comprehensive, science-led review by the Law Commission is needed to “ensure that animal welfare remains the priority while supporting coherent, practical and effective wildlife legislation”.

“The BHSA will continue to lead the fight against restrictions that fail both animals and rural communities,” he said.

“We urge the Government to take this call seriously and commit to an independent, evidence-based review that genuinely benefits animal welfare, conservation and countryside management.”

Read the full briefing paper

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‘She loves everyone’: Sparkle makes history as first working foxhound to win at Crufts

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 19:21:51 +0000

A hound called Sparkle has made history as the first working foxhound to compete at Crufts – and was named best of breed.

The Percy Hunt’s old English foxhound topped the foxhound class yesterday (6 March), in which no other entrant was a working hound, with Percy huntsman Robert McCarthy.

“Sparkle is an adorable hound,” Robert said. “She works hard all season and is always full of beans but also totally obedient.

“She loves everyone and she is friends with all the horses and other hounds too. I knew she could be relied on to perform well, but it is a very different environment for her with all the people, the noise and the lights. I am absolutely delighted to win best of breed.”

Picture by @adriandangar (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The British Hound Sports Association’s (BHSA) Adrian Dangar told H&H he encouraged Robert to enter Sparkle, to help showcase the foxhound to the wider public.

“The judge said afterwards she was the best example of a foxhound he’d seen in the show ring for a long time,” he said, adding that Robert “deserves a medal for his dedication”, having registered Sparkle with the Kennel Club, won his Crufts qualifier, and then left home at about 3.30am on Thursday morning and got back at after midnight.

A BHSA spokesperson added: “The pedigrees of all foxhounds belonging to BHSA-registered hunts are recorded in the Foxhound Kennel Studbook and can be traced back to the mid-18th century.

“The Percy Hunt is a working pack following scent trails across the Northumbrian countryside twice a week from September to March. The hunt is an accredited member of the BHSA, which champions hound welfare and is the governing body for trail hunting.

“The British Hound Sports Association has promoted greater transparency and inclusivity for all trail hunts, and competing at Crufts is an integral part of this process.”

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12 tell-tale signs of scarlet fever on the trail hunting field

Polly Portwin — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 07:00:39 +0000

How many people do you know who have taken a sudden interest in all things trail hunting because they’ve fallen for a member of hunt staff, a master or someone else on the hunting field? Maybe they want to impress them with their hunting knowledge or they could just want to let the person in question know that they exist.

We look at some of the tell-tale signs of what is known in hunting circles as scarlet fever…

1. Taking a sudden interest in hounds on a trail hunting day — perhaps by asking their names and enquiring about breeding — when previously the focus of the day has been on the contents of others’ hip flasks or the number of fences jumped.

2. Practising their horn blowing techniques in order to impress at their hunt’s annual competition.

3. Offering to walk hound puppies even though they have never done it before and knowing it could wreak havoc on their garden — but it means the huntsman will pop round with hound food when they are running low.

4. Taking more consideration over their hunting attire and appearance. An increased level of make-up might also be evident.

5. Turning up at every known hunt fundraising event from skittles matches to hunt pantos. Volunteering to horse catch at point-to-points is a dead giveaway.

6. Becoming sudden friends with the stud groom and popping into the stables on the off chance of bumping into a member of hunt staff, while getting to know the names of all the hunt horses so they can casually be slipped into conversation.

7. Keeping an eye open so they are ready to dash — at the first opportunity — to open a gate for hunt staff or masters or to hold their horse if they have to get off.

8. Appearing out trail hunting at meets they’ve never been seen at before, even if miles from home and in terrible weather conditions, just to be able to ride alongside or near the desired person.

9. Suddenly trail hunting with a different pack — often at vast expense — in order to get the opportunity of hunting with, or alongside, the eye candy of choice.

10. Buying auction items such as “a day in the master’s/huntsman’s/whipper-in’s pocket” in order to get up close and personal.

11. Immediately offering their own horse to the master or a member of hunt staff if their horse loses a shoe or goes lame.

12. Begging, borrowing or stealing horses so they can trail hunt more days of the week than ever before and staying out with hounds to the end of the day when previously they’ve been home by 2.30pm.

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A stewards’ enquiry, a human athlete and enthusiastic puppies star at hound racing event

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:51:59 +0000

A stewards’ enquiry, runners taking their own line – led over fences by a human athlete – and much Prosecco featured on the Cheshire Hunt’s hound racing afternoon.

Crowds gathered at the Cheshire’s kennels on 13 October to cheer on 54 hounds in nine races organised by the Cheshire Hunt Supporters, huntsman Robert Truscott and his partner Rebecca Connor, and whipper-in Huw Foulkes-Humphreys.

“The clerk of the course had inspected the going on the right-handed track and declared it good to soft,” hunt member Rachel Cooke told H&H. “Race-goers gathered around the parade ring to discuss the market movers, the favourites and the outsiders.”

Rachel said the hounds were loaded into the “starting gates”, aka the old hound trailer.

“The starter’s flag went down and the huntsman blew his horn, then ran in front of them, calling them on with his horn,” she said. “Undoubtedly the huntsman was at the heart of the sport leaping over the gated fence in every race.”

The first two races on the card were the bitch and dog hound puppies, aged six to eight months.

“These caused much amusement with a few refusing to start and a couple taking their own line,” Rachel said. “A stewards’ enquiry was opened and adjourned as there were no objections.

“The bookies became more competitive as the race card progressed. Final declarations were submitted for two divisions of second and third season dogs and bitches, mixed third season and above, two divisions of the open bitch race and finally the veterans’ race. Postman took the fastest dog hound of the day and Bloomer the fastest bitch hound.”

The winning sponsors were each given a bottle of Prosecco, a rosette and a photograph with the winning hound, after which spectators took full advantage of the bar and barbecue, and children tried out the course themselves.

“The afternoon was described by a hunt supporter as ‘a truly great old-fashioned country day out’,” Rachel said. “Thank you to everyone who helped and supported the day, raising funds for a new hound trailer.”

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12 things you absolutely must know before heading to a hunt ball

Catherine Austen — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 07:30:13 +0000

Opening meets are upon us – and that means we are heading into hunt ball season as well. Here are our hunting editor’s dos and don’ts to help you get through your hunt’s biggest annual party without disgracing yourself…

Do: take a table and invite as many non-hunting friends as possible – it definitely improves the chat during supper, as long as you ban any boring discussion. If you surround yourself with all your normal hunting mates, hunting is all you will talk about, and don’t we get a bit bored of that?

Do: check the dress code. One or two hunt balls stipulate white tie, instead of the more normal black tie, and that pelmet-length sequinny number won’t cut it. Go long (but slinky) if you are in any doubt. Don’t wear your most expensive suede heels – they will get wrecked and you will regret it. And I’d be pretty careful about wearing Great-Aunt Edith’s full-length vintage mink – it might be wonderfully warm (and glamorous), but if it gets nicked from the coat rack, you will have a lot of explaining to do.

Do: pace yourself. You are bound to have been hunting, rushed home and done your horse and your tack, put the children to bed and briefed the babysitter. You will not have eaten since that single sausage roll at the meet, and necking a bottle of wine on an empty stomach has never yet ended well.

Don’t: try to pull a master, the huntsman, the whipper-in or any hunt official or member of staff. Everyone will know (whether you succeed or fail) and they will never, ever forget or let you live it down.

Do: have a Jagerbomb. Just the one – it will pep you up marvellously when you are flagging a bit after dinner. But, we repeat, just the one…

Don’t: buy that horse a charming young Irishman is trying to sell you unseen. Tonight is not the night for decisions like that.

Do: pre-book your taxi, tell him not to allow anyone else in it and do go when it arrives. Another half an hour of dancing with those National Hunt jockeys might seem like a brilliant idea, but when you are left outside the marquee, shivering and feeling a bit sick, you won’t be able to get another taxi for love nor vast amounts of money.

Do: head for the disco tent. Leave the ‘grown up’ dancing to the band on the over-lit dance floor to the grown ups, watched by all those still sitting at their tables and relive your Pony Club youth in a darker, sweatier atmosphere.

Don’t: bid on auction lots if you can’t afford to pay for them — even if you are under serious peer pressure. You won’t look cool when you admit you don’t have the funds to pay for it and you will have a black mark next to your name for eternity.

Do: join the naughty smokers outside for a bit of a cool-down. That’s where all the best gossip is happening.

Do: dance with your husband/wife/partner. It’s only polite, even if the second whipper-in is way better at it.

Don’t: sleep in your car. You are not 17 (unless you actually are 17, when it is fine and perfectly normal). You will be really cold and incredibly uncomfortable. Remember to book that taxi and climb into your own lovely bed.

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Farewell to landowner and supporter of equestrian community

Becky Murray — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:06:29 +0000

Michael Benjamin Holloway, the landowner, farmer and lifelong supporter of the Seavington Hunt passed away peacefully on 11 July, aged 95.

Mike attended the Crewkerne Grammar School, Somerset, and at the age of 17 left and farmed in partnership with his father.

Mike rode as a boy, on a pony who would try to throw him off at every opportunity. He cycled five miles to school but on the way home would swap his bike for his mischievous pony Kitty and ride home.

Sport was his passion, which remained with him throughout his life. He was a member of Yeovil Rugby Club and played cricket and hockey for Yeovil and Somerset.

Mike loved his farming life and latterly enjoyed breeding Irish Draught x thoroughbred competition horses. He also bred pedigree Charollais and Rouge De L’Ouest sheep, and founded Wotknott Miniature Shetlands with his elder daughter Trudy. He was a conservationist and loved wildlife and the outdoors. He enjoyed trying his hand at new hobbies, including beekeeping and creating his own vineyard.

He was a long-term supporter and follower of the Seavington Hunt, always allowing the use of his land. Every year he would also make a line of jumps in one of his lanes for the hunt to enjoy.

He and his wife Pamela were married for 68 years and the couple had two daughters. Mike and Pam spent much of their time fundraising for their local church, organising many events including the popular annual Dinnington ride, an event he was very proud of. Every August the ride would welcome up to 200 riders, across his and neighbouring farmers’ land.

Mike will be very much missed by his family, friends and the hunting community.

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Thinking about trying autumn trail hunting? Check out 10 helpful tips for first-timers

Catherine Austen — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 17:30:32 +0000

If you’ve been considering introducing your horse to the enjoyment of riding in a group across the beautiful British countryside with your local hounds, then what do you need to know before you go? H&H helps out with some essential autumn trail hunting advice…

1. Autumn trail-hunting and hound exercise takes place at a slower, steadier pace than “normal” hunting – its purpose is to introduce young hounds to hunting and to educate them. It’s therefore ideal for young or inexperienced horses – and humans – as well, but the hounds are everyone’s priority.

2. You must ring up or email the hunt secretary well in advance of the day on which you would like to come out.

3. Autumn hunting takes place earlier in the morning than hunting during the open season, generally as soon as it is light. So make sure you are well organised the night before, know where you are supposed to be parking and don’t be tempted to press the snooze button on your alarm.

4. Generally people wear tweed coats for autumn hunting – but if you don’t have one, no one is going to mind very much. Horses are unplaited (but you and your horse should be clean, neat and tidy).

5. If your horse has not seen hounds before, remember always to keep his head turned towards them, not his heels, and to give them plenty of space. But let him look at them, and give him a reassuring scratch on the withers.

6. You may choose to put a red or green ribbon on your horse’s tail to warn other people that he may kick or is young, but it is always your responsibility to make sure he doesn’t kick a hound, horse or human, not anyone else’s, so try to avoid being caught in a crush.

7. If it is your first time – or your horse’s first time – persuade a friend on an older, experienced horse to come with you to act as a “nanny”. If this isn’t possible, tell the hunt secretary and ask if there is anyone who you might be able to buddy up with – they will try to help you.

8. Make sure you can start, steer and stop your horse in company – if in any doubt, use a stronger bit than you do normally, as this is a fun “party” to a horse and he may become excited. Always wear a neckstrap!

9. Don’t stay out for hours – accidents happen when your horse’s brain or body is overtired. It is much better to go several times for a short-ish amount of time, and to take him home when things are going well and you are both happy.

10. Try to relax and enjoy yourself, and then your horse will. It’s fun, you will learn lots and being out on your horse early on a beautiful autumn morning with the sight and sound of hounds is one of the nicest things you can do.

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8 ways to avoid looking flustered on your first day autumn hunting

Polly Portwin — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 12:02:23 +0000

Somehow, no matter how many months there are between the last day’s trail hunting in the spring to the start of autumn hunting, the new season still manages to quietly creep up on us and we never seem to be as prepared as we’d like to be.

Fat, unfit and long-maned hunters have been doing steady roadwork for weeks while you have been patiently watching the crops ripen and hounds have been building up their fitness, first with their hunt staff on bikes before mounted hound exercise took over.

Those with superstitious tendencies may have already got their lucky lightweight breeches out and their favourite hunting numnah washed and clean, however for those who aren’t quite so prepared, Horse & Hound offers a few tips on what to remember ahead of your first day autumn hunting in the next few weeks so you don’t appear late, flustered and unkempt in front of masters and hunt staff — both new and old.

1. Track down your tweed hacking jacket and give it a thorough clean. The tweed may be adept at disguising the mud but it would be great to start the season with good intentions, even if they do slip slightly after weeks of early starts. Fish out any of last season’s mint humbugs that may have stuck to the lining and re-stock with fresh essentials.

2. Remember that autumn hunting mornings can be warm — especially if your horse gets lit up at the start of the season and you’re perhaps not as fit as you might be — so try to track down a short-sleeved shirt with a collar and leave your thermal stock shirt at home. You might want to check the top button is still on it too — nothing worse than stabbing yourself when trying to thread a needle at 4.30am on a hunting morning then blotting blood all over your clean shirt…

3. Find your hunting tie and get it cleaned if you need to — it is bound to still have either horse slobber on it or a bit of crusty egg-yolk from the last Hunt Supporters Club breakfast.

4. Make sure you’ve checked your hunting boots in case the soles have somehow come adrift while sitting in the cupboard over the summer. Take a good look at the insides too to make sure they don’t need any holes patching up and track down the missing garter strap that had to double as a spur strap when one snapped on a gatepost last season. While on the subject of spurs, you had better find those too and give them a polish, and don’t forget your hunting whip.

5. Relocate your hunting cap, crash cap or headwear of choice and make sure it is comfortable — gentlemen should get a haircut if required and ladies now is the time to splash out on a new hairnet rather than wearing two with giant holes in the opposite way around to make sure errant hairs don’t poke out.

6. Make sure you have your horses’ travel wardrobe sorted out too. A lightweight cooler — most probably at the very bottom of the rug pile — will almost definitely be of most use before clipping starts, while a tail bandage or tail guard is a must (unless you want to arrive with the proverbial bog-brush excuse of a tail). You might also want to switch to a stronger bit and noseband combination on your “hunting bridle” to ensure you don’t spend the morning having your arms pulled out of their sockets.

7. The condition of horseboxes and other methods of transport should always be of paramount importance and safety checks to ensure that lights are working, the floor and walls are safe and the tyres are properly inflated go without saying. Just remember to take the wheelclamp off and check the handbrake on the trailer hasn’t been pulled up firmly over the summer though — there’s nothing worse than hitching up and pulling forward to find all wheels are locked tight and you’re digging grooves into the area where you’ve parked… laying underneath it before sunrise banging the brake drums with a large spanner to release them in your clean breeches is not ideal.

8. And finally… don’t forget to have a shorter girth ready for when your horse eventually loses that extra inch or two of summer flesh. Trying to make-do with the long one you’ve been using could cause embarrassment when you leap off to open a gate then slide ungraciously round when trying to re-mount.

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(Image credit: Nico Morgan)

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Autumn hunting is a gentle introduction for young hounds, new hunt staff, horses and followers to the forthcoming season. Carina

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Your vote counts: crucial equestrian issues for general election candidates

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 11:28:55 +0000

A ban on trail-hunting, equine ID and horse and rider road safety are among the issues to be considered by equestrians in the general election tomorrow (4 July).

H&H has reported that Labour was likely to pledge to ban trail-hunting, and this was included in the party’s manifesto. A spokesperson for the party told H&H: “The next Labour government will strengthen the Hunting Act to close loopholes and end trail-hunting that is used as a smokescreen for the illegal hunting of foxes, deer and hares.”

Labour will not ban drag-hunting as the party does not believe it is a “loophole used as a cover for illegal foxhunting”. But the hunting community has strongly refuted the claims about trail-hunting.

“They have made that statement, but where is their evidence?” British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) managing director Oliver Hughes told H&H. “Since the hunting ban in 2004, there have been about 250,000 days’ hunting, and about 600-700 convictions; 0.2% of which were down to what are now BHSA accredited hunts. That shows that the Hunting Act works; we are hunting within the law.

“Our main responsibility now as a hunting community is to prove to politicians, police, the press and the public that trail-hunting is legal, legitimate and well regulated, and there’s no need for any interference or further legislation. On 14 September, our national trail-hunting day will be the day to demonstrate that; it will be 30 venues rather than one, but it will be the 2024 equivalent of the Countryside March.”

Countryside Alliance CEO Tim Bonner told H&H that Labour’s decision to put hunting legislation at the top of its rural agenda again is “completely unjustified and out of touch with the priorities of rural people”.

“If it is determined to bring forward legislation it must be absolutely certain that any new law does not impact on hunts that are operating legitimately in exactly the way the Labour government told them to when it passed its original prejudiced legislation,” he said.

The British Horse Council (BHC) has set out its priorities for the next Government, in three questions sent to candidates (see below).

BHC chairman David Mountford told H&H the BHC has spent years working on key issues with the Government, and has built up good relationships with the relevant departments.

“We don’t know yet how the new Government will progress the issues we’ve been working hard on such as equine ID,” he said. “The next steps will be to start building relationships with newly elected politicians; we have established relationships with civil servants.

“The purpose is to wake potential MPs up to why the equestrian industry is important, and some of the critical issues that need addressing.”

Mr Mountford said the first question highlights the size of the sector, and the issues it faces, in particular equine ID, the second its diversity and the importance of making equestrianism available. “And finally, road safety for horses and riders, to help make sure riding is safe and accessible for as many people as possible.”

Labour did not comment on the BHC questions but a Conservative spokesperson told H&H: “We want to work with the sector to implement digital horse ID, in a way that works for all. We also want to ensure that our business rates regime doesn’t restrict anyone in having access to horse riding facilities.

“We have already implemented changes to the Highway Code to specifically give greater protection to vulnerable road users, like horse riders. We will continue to push public education, and where necessary, police enforcement.

“While the Labour Party wants to concrete over our green belt, we Conservatives want everyone to be within 15 minutes of green space. We will work with land managers to increase access for everyone, including horse riders.”

A spokesperson for the Lib Dems told H&H: “Horses are a vital part of British history and culture and the horse industry makes a crucial contribution to our economy.

“Liberal Democrats stand ready to work with the sector and seek solutions to concerns around equine identification. It is also our long-standing commitment to fundamentally reform the broken business rates system to alleviate pressures and remove barriers to investment.

“Too many horses and riders are losing their lives on our roads. Liberal Democrats want to see increased awareness of the Highway Code’s provisions for safe driving around horses, and we are committed to significantly increasing the amount of accessible green space, giving riders and the public more access to a healthy natural environment.”

Questions to candidates

1) The horse industry is worth £9bn a year to the UK but faces ever-growing challenges that require an effective horse identification system. What will you do to implement digital horse ID?

2) More women, over-45s and disabled people ride than take part in other physical activity, yet unfair business rates are restricting access to riding. What will you do to ensure this activity remains available for everyone?

3) Last year 66 horses were killed on the roads and the situation is getting worse, while access to-off road riding is becoming more limited. What will you do to keep horses and riders safe?

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‘His monochrome photographs grace the houses of many’: farewell to legendary photographer

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 19:51:03 +0000

Jim Meads, the hunting photographer extraordinaire, has died, aged 93.

For anyone to be called “a legend in their own lifetime” is seldom appropriate, but in Jim’s case, it is genuinely deserved. His reputation was earned on both sides of the Atlantic and his remarkable fitness and deep knowledge of hunting enabled him to take action shots that would have been impossible for most. He hunted with 520 packs in the UK, Ireland and the US.

Jim learned the skills of hunting photography from his father, Frank H Meads, and it was his action shots that were so unique. His classic monochrome photographs, which demonstrate the atmosphere of the field so well, grace the houses of many hunting people.

Jim’s most famous photograph, published worldwide in 1962, was of a jet fighter about to crash, the pilot having just ejected. Jim knew the test pilot, who had told him where they would be testing the new jet. Jim took his two small sons to watch, and his camera.

Jim left school at 16 and joined the De Havilland Aircraft Company as trainee photographer. At weekends he accompanied his father out hunting.

Following national service with the RAF he went to work for his father as a sporting photographer. When he travelled with former H&H editor Michael Clayton he was introduced to US hunting where he enjoyed enormous popularity and was commissioned to photograph many hunts and hound shows.

Point-to-pointing was his speciality, and at the 1996 Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show he was presented with a painting of him taking photographs at the show to mark his 50th consecutive year as Peterborough photographer.

In 1979 Jim published his first book, They Still Meet at Eleven. For his second of five books, the foreword was written by the Prince of Wales, now King Charles.

The Masters of Foxhounds Associations of the UK and US obtained the remarkable collection of Jim’s pictures, which is now in the safe hands of the British Sporting Art Trust.

Jim always had the support of his loyal wife Pauline.

His funeral is to be at the Emstry Crematorium, Shrewsbury, on Wednesday, 10 July at 12.30pm and all are welcome.

Hunting calls for review of the law as general election approaches

Catherine Austen — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:41:49 +0000

The British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) is calling for a Law Commission review into the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The news comes during the build-up to the next general election, which is expected later this year, as the BHSA tries to secure the future of hunting for generations.

BHSA chairman Viscount Astor told H&H: “The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is now 40 years out of date and in need of amending. Following the outcome of the review we believe it will show how the various quarry species and both flora and fauna have been adversely affected over the last 40 years.”

He added: “The second part of our campaign is simple – to show and prove that trail-hunting and exempt hunting properly conducted following clear protocol is a legal sport and not, as claimed by the antis, ‘a loophole.’”

Following recent trail-hunting demonstration days, which were well attended by mainstream broadcast media, the BHSA has announced that there will be a national trail- and drag-hunting day on Saturday, 14 September at more than 20 venues across the country, to include packs from across hunting’s spectrum.

“We aim to make a huge impact before the start of the general election campaign, and will invite the media, police, police commissioners, all candidates and local councillors, and we want it well attended by hunt subscribers and supporters,” said Viscount Astor.

There will be no call for changes to the Hunting Act that affect drag-hunting, trail-hunting or exempt hunting.

“To be clear, we are not calling for repeal, or amendment of the Hunting Act or any licensing proposal,” Viscount Astor said. “We are determined to win the campaign to preserve hunting with hounds in this country for many generations to come.”

Viscount Astor also said that he was delighted that Ben Wallace, former secretary of state for defence, is joining the BHSA board.

“It is great to have such a distinguished MP and parliamentarian of 20 years’ standing as part of the board,” he said.

Will Spencer, joint-master of the Pytchley, told H&H: “I have been really impressed by the evolution of the BHSA over the past 12 months and their proactive approach to promoting and advertising our activities.

“The recent trail-hunting demonstration days have offered the opportunity to show the wider population how we operate and to dispel the repetitive rhetoric and false claims from animal rights groups. I hope they [the BHSA], with all of our support, can build on this with their call for a Law Commission review.”

Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner emphasised the importance of showing that hunting activities are being properly conducted. He told H&H: “Labour does not believe that all hunts are operating legally. This is not a debate about hunting, it is solely about enforcement of the law.

“There are two obvious steps we must take to counter this threat. We need to make it clear that all hunts are operating legitimately and to high standards. Trail-hunting, in particular, needs to be overt and hunts must ensure there is nothing in their operation that raises questions about the legitimacy of their activities.

“Secondly, we must all take action to lobby candidates in our constituencies to explain that trail-hunting is a legal and important part of rural life, and that attacking hunting will once again put Labour completely out of touch with the priorities of rural voters. The Alliance is in regular contact with shadow ministers, Labour MPs and candidates who have been selected in marginal seats. The most effective lobbying, however, comes from voters in those constituencies, which is why we are asking people to sign up to our Action for Hunting initiative.

“The Alliance will continue to argue that a manifesto commitment would make Labour look out of touch with voters’ priorities. The action we all take in the coming months will have a profound impact on the outcome and the future of hunting.”

Farewell to a ‘beautiful yet bold horseman’ aged 85

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 18:21:08 +0000

By Martin Scott

Sidney Bailey, one of the best professional huntsmen since World War II, has died, aged 85. He started hunting with the Heythrop where his father Tom was the long-serving kennelman of more than 40 years. His aunt was a Littleworth, and his uncle Jack Littleworth hunted the Quorn hounds.

Sidney went to the Ledbury and whipped-in to Nimrod Champion in 1957, then came to the VWH Cricklade in 1960. When the amalgamation took place in 1964, it was felt that a break was needed so Sidney went as huntsman at the Wylye Valley from 1964-66.

He returned to become huntsman of the VWH at Meysey Hampton in 1966, where he stayed for 43 years in all, serving 23 masters and providing the best of sport. This continuity of service was so beneficial to the hounds and the country.

Sidney had learnt under the very best, he had the proper, old-fashioned ways and was the best of people to work with.

Not only was he top-class across country, he had a natural way with horses and was a beautiful yet bold horseman. He also had that wonderful affinity with hounds and they loved him.

Sidney was wonderful with people from all walks of life and got on with everyone. He was very good with the younger riders, encouraging them to come hunting and many did.

He also adored his holidays on Exmoor following the Devon and Somerset Staghounds.

Sidney maintained the highest standards in the field and in the kennel and was always polite and correct but never lost for a word. It was reported on one occasion when Martin Scott was complaining about his daughter’s mishaps, Sidney with a huge smile on his face said, “You don’t breed tame ones out of wild ones, sir!”

When he came to retire, he did all he could to help his successor, Philip Hage, who it is pleasing to see is now starting his 19th season at Meysey Hampton.

Sidney was much loved by everyone in the country. He was supported superbly by Carol, his wife, and their lovely daughter Karen who sadly predeceased them. He was a great hound man, horseman and had a great working pack of hounds.

Sidney will be missed by so many of us.

‘Loved by all’: farewell to a towering figure of horse world

Catherine Austen — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:59:36 +0000

Captain Ian Farquhar, one of the towering figures of the modern hunting world, has died aged 78.

Capt Farquhar, known by many in the hunting world as simply “Captain”, was master of the Duke of Beaufort’s for 34 years (1985–2019). He hunted the Beaufort hounds from 1985–2011, and was master and huntsman of the Bicester from 1973–1985.

Capt Farquhar was born on 11 December 1945, in Dorset, where his father Sir Peter Farquhar was the distinguished master and huntsman of the Portman. Sir Peter had commanded his regiment in North Africa during World War II and, after Ludgrove and Eton, Ian joined the Queen’s Own Hussars and served in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.

In 1971, he became an equerry to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. One morning – despite an unusual early night – he was late and missed an official engagement he was to attend with Her Royal Highness. On receiving his abject apology, she presented him with an alarm clock, which he treasured to the end of his life.

He married Pammie-Jane Chafer – daughter of Charles Chafer, master and huntsman of the Derwent – in 1972 and they had three daughters, Emma, Tor, and Rose. He left the army in 1973 and took the Bicester and Warden Hill that year.

After 12 highly successful seasons, during which Ian introduced the Welsh blood, first through New Forest Medyg 69 and then Vale of Clettwr Fairy 73, that was to help elevate him into the first ranks of post-war hound breeders, he moved to the Beaufort in 1985 to become joint-master with the 11th duke and to hunt the hounds.

Capt Farquhar’s lifelong friend and fellow hound breeder Martin Scott said: “Having virtually grown up with Ian, he provided tremendous sport at the Bicester and Warden Hill and then came to the Duke of Beaufort’s, where he provided outstanding sport with some wonderful hunts over 34 seasons.

“He was a past master of allowing the hounds to settle to the quarry and by his patience, more often than not, it turned into a good hunt. Not only was the sport fantastic, he also made it such fun too.”

Beaufort Hunt 04.03.11 (Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)

His tenure at the Beaufort made him one of the most celebrated amateur huntsmen of his generation, and the influence of the Badminton kennel spread worldwide. Ian won 13 doghound championships at Peterborough and six bitch championships, and his hounds dominated on the flags and in the stud book for many years.

After his retirement, Capt Farquhar contributed several elegantly written and amusing features to H&H, and for three seasons wrote a very popular series, Farquhar’s Diary, in which he visited packs, big and small, all over Britain.

His driver, and photographer and typist, in these endeavours was his friend Jo Aldridge, for many years also his driver to all the major hound shows. In 2023, she helped him produce his entertaining and highly readable autobiography, The Way It Was.

Polo player Luke Tomlinson, who has hunted with the Beaufort since he was a small child and is a great friend of the Farquhar family, said: “He was an inspirational huntsman, a lover of the countryside and great fun to go hunting with as well. I think he was loved by everyone; he could chat to anyone, be it His Majesty the King or anyone from any walk of life.

“I think, post-ban, he was excellent at hunting within the new confines of the law and worked very hard to improve the political situation and help hunting’s place in an England which, in two generations, had changed from a country in which many people understood the rural way of life to one in which increasingly few did.”

Rural community urged to act as Labour pledges full hunting ban

Becky Murray — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:33:06 +0000

Calls have been made for the rural community to “take action for hunting” by lobbying MPs and demonstrating that the sport is a “well-regulated activity” – following the Labour party’s pledge for a full ban.

MP Steve Reed, the shadow secretary of state for environment, food, and rural affairs, told The Times that there are “loopholes” in the current legislation, and a ban on trail and drag hunting “is something we’ll do in the first term of a Labour government”. Mr Reed also stated that polls show three quarters of rural voters support a ban.

A spokesman for Mr Reed confirmed to H&H that he stood by these comments. The poll referred to was commissioned by the League Against Cruel Sports in 2022.

Oliver Hughes, managing director of governing body the British Hound Sports Association, told H&H there are about 12,000 days of trail hunting in England and Wales each year, “with the vast majority taking place without any problems”.

“It simply isn’t true that rural voters want to ban trail hunting. On the contrary, trail hunting enjoys widespread popular support. You only have to look back to the Boxing Day meets to see the tens of thousands of people that turned out to support these, as they always do,” he said.

“Trail hunts do not pursue any wild animal and take place on land with the express permission of the landowner – so why would there be a desire to ban them?”

Mr Hughes added that there are “far more important matters” in rural communities that should be priorities for Labour, “not a culture war masquerading as an attempt to improve animal welfare”.

“Labour seems to have little understanding of country sports and of the rural communities that are involved, and has shown little desire to learn,” he said.

“So we would urge Steve Reed and other senior members of the Labour party to meet with us, before potentially destroying a traditional way of life enjoyed by tens of thousands of people in rural communities across the nation.”

Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner told H&H Labour’s position is “unjustified, illogical, and prejudiced”.

“It will be opposed at every stage by the Alliance and the hunting community. There is a perception that Labour believes hunts are breaking the law, so they think this policy is justified,” he said.

“The single most pressing priority, therefore, is that the entire hunting community proves to the public, politicians and the police that trail hunting is a well-regulated activity which is conducted safely and within the law.”

The Alliance said it is “vital” that everyone signs up to the Campaign for Hunting, which aims to promote “high standards of hound and horse welfare as well as hunt conduct, on and off the hunting field” – and dispel “misconceptions about hunting and combats mistruths spread about legal activities”.

“We will be asking people to take action for hunting by lobbying candidates and MPs, signing e-lobbies and engaging in positive PR campaigns,” said Polly Portwin, Countryside Alliance Campaign for Hunting director.

Small but mighty: tiny rider and 27-year-old pony tackle bank and ditch in style

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 19:51:58 +0000

This tiny but indomitable combination is Annabelle Hague and Timmy, tackling a hefty bank and ditch in style, while out with the Cross Country Chasers on 18 February.

The 11-year-old rider and 27-year-old pony were having the time of their lives with the chasers, a group who take on rides organised by Annabelle’s father Chris Hague, and Tom Lancaster.

Chris told H&H he was master of the North East Cheshire Drag Hunt, which amalgamated with the Cheshire Farmers Drag Hunt, to become the Cheshire Drag Hunt. But that closed, and “The members came to us and said ‘What can you do?’” Chris said. “We couldn’t afford the hounds and everything, so this concept came of going out as a group, at the same pace as a drag hunt.”

Chris said the Cross Country Chasers’ rides appeal to everyone; he has had plenty of hunt followers enjoying the country, and any profit made is donated to charity.

“We go by invitation of the farmers and give the money to charities of their choice,” he said.

“We’ve got everything; ditches, rails hedges, walls, and we always find a way round too.

“We have a bit of a craic, and pub stops.”

Chris said Timmy, who is about 12.2hh, and Annabelle have been together for about five years.

“He’s a star,” he said. “He’s a hunting pony; he doesn’t do arenas or anything like that, he just likes to go in straight lines, cover the ground and jump.

“He’s loved by us all; we run an equestrian centre and have three children and my parents and he’s loved by everyone. They had a great day.”

‘One of life’s true gentlemen’: farewell to much-loved sportsman

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 19:33:55 +0000

James Knight, the former master and chairman of the Belvoir has died aged 73.

James’s route to the hunting field was inevitable; his parents, uncle and Belvoir joint-masters and huntsman were at his christening in hunting attire, and the timing was arranged to fit with the day’s meet.

James grew up with his parents Joan and Peter and sisters Helen and Barbara, in the heart of the Belvoir’s Lincolnshire country.

Having been to Stamford School and Caythorpe Agricultural College, James worked on farms in Australia and New Zealand, after which he returned to work on the family farm.

He chaired the Woldmarsh Sleaford buying group, was a council member of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, served on their executive committee and stewarded the livestock and equine rings for many years.

In his early years farming at Walcot, he gradually dropped rugby and hunting took over – this took him into point-to-pointing, riding for respected farmer Jim Emmerson. James was well bitten by the hunting and racing bug because he persuaded his father to buy his first good horse, Caribou, with whom he had numerous very popular wins. When asked how he managed to persuade his father to buy such a horse, James said: “Oh that’s very easy – all you have to do is send off for the Doncaster and Ascot sales catalogues, leave them in the loo and it should work a treat.” He was right – the friend’s father took the bait. This led to many happy days together with horses, galloping, schooling and on race days, win or lose, they had a drink or two!

But James’ big sporting passion was hunting, encouraged by the fact that he had spied Sally Machin in the hunting field. This led to their marriage in October 1980, and by December 1983 Edward was born, followed by Louise in August 1987. These were very busy, happy times, living at Lodge Farm, Walcot, farming, with a young family. Still pointing, James took on the mastership of the old Belvoir Friday country, which he did very successfully for seven seasons. He did a cracking job and left the area in great form for the next master. He was a hard act to follow and there are memories of him jumping the gates on and off the Walcot-Folkingham Road! Not many followed him.

James served on the point-to-point committee (signing 108 pointer certificates for the Belvoir one season), later becoming chairman of the committee for years. He then became hunt chairman, retiring at the end of last season after five years.

James was also a very keen shot and golf also became a favourite pastime. More recently he spent a lot of time fishing.

James was a tremendous host and a very special person, who will be greatly missed, especially by Sally, Edward and Louise. He was one of life’s true gentlemen, a wonderful husband to Sally, father to Edward and Louise and grandfather to Amelia, Annie and Henry. He was very proud of them all and devoted to them.

He was a wonderful friend and a great influence on so many lives. He will be greatly missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

‘I wore it to look good’: rider fractures skull when hat comes off in road fall

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 19:51:09 +0000

A rider whose hat fell off before his head hit the road has urged others to wear safety helmets with appropriate fastenings – after he fractured his skull and spent 10 days in hospital.

Neville Woodes Rogers was taken to A&E after his fall on Boxing Day, where he was scanned and sent home. But days later, he went back to hospital as he had a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which protects the brain and spinal cord.

He is now recovered and back at work, but he told H&H he will never again ride without a chinstrap.

“When I go hacking out, I wear a proper hat, but I wanted to look good,” he said. “End of story.”

Neville said he and his 17hh Irish draught Roscoe hacked to the meet on a “perfect day”.

“My horse was clipped and plaited, my boots shining,” he said. “The meet was well attended and I felt proud entering the square, it was a beautiful English scene.”

Neville said he was not entirely hunting fit, so when the hunt headed up to the moor, he left to hack home. It was during a canter on a wide verge that Roscoe tripped.

“We were cantering along, so together, and it was just one of those things,” he said. “He stumbled, tried to correct himself and his foot went down a dip and I came out of the side.

“I was heading for the ground and my hat came off. I hit the road and split my head open.”

Warning: graphic image

Neville was knocked out but passing drivers came to his aid, and called an ambulance.

After an MRI, which confirmed the skull fracture, he was sent home.

“After a couple of days at home, I was doing things as normal, then my nose started dripping,” he said. “I thought ‘I’m turning into an old man’! But I looked at the list the hospital had given me and saw fluid from the nose was on it. I rang the GP, who said ‘Get to a neurological ward, now’.”

Neville had to spend 10 days in hospital while the CSF fluid was drained off and his skull healed.

“It was pretty serious; I’m extremely lucky,” he said. “But I wouldn’t have had the head injury if my hat had stayed on, and the only reason I wore that hat is because I wanted to look good. I think that’s the case for a lot of us, except the sensible ones who wear proper hats.

“I’ll definitely wear a hat with a chinstrap from now on. When you’re out trail-hunting, you’re vulnerable to having an accident, and we were just having a beautiful canter but he stumbled; it can happen to anyone.”

‘His presence was an enormous help’: farewell to ‘well-liked’ countryman

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 19:21:52 +0000

Jeffrey Thomas Hall died on 27 December, aged 83.

He grew up in Leicestershire and served an apprenticeship for a firm but did not join the company, becoming involved in hunting professionally instead.

Jeff was well known as an otterhounds huntsman who had won the Horse and Hound horn-blowing competition twice running, which perhaps rankled with the hunting fraternity and led to the organisers the following year inviting him to judge instead of competing.

When he arrived at the Ampleforth College Beagles in 1975, he was only the third full-time huntsman during what was to be 79 years. Continuity and stability had produced a pack of hounds that was universally admired. In his first season he won prizes at Peterborough including champion doghound with Redcap 73.

During 19 seasons at Ampleforth he won 11 doghound championships and had five bitch champions. He enhanced the reputation of the hunt and gave excellent sport on the North York moors. Hunting a pack in a monastic school brought new challenges. The majority of those out hunting two days a week or walking hounds daily were boys, some from sporting families, others coming to it for the first time.

He soon became well-liked among the farming and shooting community. He developed contacts with other packs of beagles as it was widespread practice to borrow hounds to introduce new blood into the pack. He became friendly with the Cheshire Beagles huntsman and offered him a hound he described as the best hound that he had ever known. Trueman was becoming independent as he got older and could lead the pack astray, but was still a valuable stud dog.

It was agreed that the handover would be done at Peterborough so Jeff entered Trueman and was astonished when he became champion doghound. As he walked out of the ring he gave him to the Cheshire huntsman.

In March 1981 Jeff fell off a wall when hunting and landed on his head. He remembered that nobody took any notice of him with blood dripping down his face because hounds had caught their hare after a two-hour hunt. His injury meant the master, Alexander Fitzalan-Howard, hunted hounds until he left in January 1983.

In 1988 change was in the air. The hunt secretary Father Walter Maxwell-Stewart retired after 47 years. Father Charles Macauley succeeded him for five years and then, after a period of decreasing interest in the school as the number of extra-curricular activities increased, Father Hugh Lewis-Vivas, who had succeeded Father Charles, had to write to supporters to say the college was giving up ownership of the beagles.

So, on 12 March 1994 Jeff blew for home for the last time and ended his career as a professional huntsman, though his presence was an enormous help to supporters and old boys who took over ownership and management of the pack that still exists. Jeff and his wife Lyn eventually moved south to be closer to Lyn’s family.

‘She pinches our horses!’ No fear for tiny gate-jumping rider

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 20:01:57 +0000

A tiny rider whose pony had done enough for the day but who wanted to jump a five-bar gate thought nothing of “pinching” her mother’s horse to have a go.

Ella James Winn, who has been riding since she was 18 months old, and first went hunting a year later, had already cleared the gate on her 12.2hh Sidney while out with the Pembrokeshire on 27 January, but wanted to do it again.

“We came to this line, with a gate at the end and she said ‘Mummy, please can I do it!’” Ella’s mum Emma told H&H. “I said ‘Follow me’ and we popped it, then she wanted to go again. I said Sidney had done enough for the day, and she said ‘Can I do it on Ollie?’ So she pinched my horse!”

Emma said Ella has been keen to ride ever since she could speak.

“I remember my mother-in-law saying ‘Is she a bit young for a pony?’ and I gave her the look!” Emma said. “It started from there and she does everything; Pony Club, showjumping, she did pony racing last year, and hunting; as soon as the season starts, we’re out almost every weekend.”

Emma first did it all with her 11.1hh Bertie Bassett, whom she is now too big for, and who has gone to “a lovely family, with a little girl to do exactly what we’ve done with him”.

She now, aged 10, has 12.2hh Sidney, and also ambitions for bigger mounts. As well as Emma’s Connemara Ollie, she covets Emma’s friend Lilian’s 17.3hh Parker, and has had a couple of rides.

“She looks about two on him, her legs don’t pass the saddle,” Emma said. “Lilian and I bought our horses off the same person and they’ve both worked out perfectly; she idolises him and they do everything, like me and Ollie – and Ella likes to pinch him too!”

‘An adventurous, brave horseman’: farewell to much-loved countryman who completed famous steeplechase

Becky Murray — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:35:57 +0000

Michael Roberts, the countryman, prolific team chaser and former hunt master died on 8 December following an accident, aged 80.

He started life as a salesman for Guest Keen and Nettlefold, and progressed to starting TR Fastenings with Mike Timms. The business went public 30 years ago and now manufactures and sells millions of nuts, bolts, fasteners and gadgets of all kinds throughout the world.

Mr Roberts’ farms in East Sussex have been the envy of the county; well-fenced and managed pasture, pristine ancient hedgerows, tidy woodlands, footpaths and accesses, landscaped streams, ponds and gardens. His love of animals and wildlife was taken to extremes, with dogs, friendly peacocks and alpacas – but above all his horses.

He was an amateur jockey who bred and rode his own horses, as well as having a trainer’s licence. His immaculate yard at Summertree produced many famous local horses. Trainers would send him youngsters to bring on because he was exceptionally sympathetic and believed in teaching a horse to enjoy racing. His horses were his friends.

Mr Roberts was a very adventurous, brave horseman. He competed in the biggest cross-country ride in England, the Melton Hunt Club Ride, in most years and won it in 1988 and 1991. His team chase team, the Trifast Allstars, won the UK Team Chase Championships in 1999 and 2000.

His biggest equestrian achievement was on 10 October 1983 when he successfully completed one of the world’s toughest races, the Grand Pardubice Steeplechase in the Czech Republic, which is four miles and two furlongs long, over 31 obstacles.

He was master of the East Sussex and Romney Marsh for many years. He also was a member of the Mid Surrey Farmers’ Draghounds for most of his riding career, and he regularly hunted in Leicestershire and all over England.

Mr Roberts was an all-round sportsman, a brave and loyal friend – but above all, a kind gentleman. He was an entirely self-made man and used his wealth to benefit the world and inspire all around him. This world needs more like him.

He is survived by his wife Sue, his son Jon and daughter Jess, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tens of thousands turn out to support trail-hunting at festive meets

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:04:07 +0000

Tens of thousands of people turned out to support hunting over the festive period, and thousands backed a new campaign to oppose restrictions on trail-hunting.

Huge crowds were reported across the country, for what are expected to be the last Boxing Day and New Year’s Day meets before the next general election.

The scenes came as Labour has committed to “strengthen” the Hunting Act should the party gain power.

The Countryside Alliance warned Labour not to engage in a “toxic culture war” by legislating to ban hunting again and urged leader Keir Starmer to “right the wrongs of the past” and end its “running attack on rural communities”. The Alliance used festive meets to officially launch its Action for Hunting campaign, signing up supporters ready to “springboard into action” to oppose any new restrictions on hunting.

Alliance director of hunting Polly Portwin said: “Hunts have yet again been welcomed by a huge number of supporters who have gathered in all weathers in high streets, town squares, outside pubs and in fields.

“That any politician or activist could look at these scenes and want to see that way of life legislated against for political kicks, is deeply disturbing. Any new legislation would be a pointless waste of time and create division in the countryside, the likes of which have not been seen since the last Labour government passed the Hunting Act in 2004.

“Ultimately, the countryside doesn’t want to have a fight over hunting again, but it will not sit back and allow itself to be bullied or become victim to a toxic culture war.”

Ollie Cornock is joint-master of the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase, which was cheered through Winslow high street on Boxing Day.

He said: “Yet again we’ve had a wonderful reception in Winslow where the crowds seem to get bigger each year and we are pleased to see so many sign up to protect hunting with hounds for future generations. We are incredibly grateful for this continued support from locals and those who travel some distance to show their support for our wonderful hounds.”

A spokesman for the British Hound Sports Association told H&H: “We were delighted by the number of followers this year – as always rural communities have come out in force, up and down the country to express their support. This year we asked the hunts to send us photos of the crowds at their Boxing Day meets with an estimated number that attended. From those hunts that did so, the total attendance stands at 86,500 people in their town or village squares. It’s a genuine endorsement of trail hunting and the benefits it provides for rural communities.”

Trail-hunting demo days receive ‘excellent response’, with more planned

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 19:33:56 +0000

Three trail-hunting demonstration days have been open to both opponents and supporters, and more are planned as part of work to protect and preserve the sport.

The British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) hosted the events, the last of which was in Gloucestershire on 12 December. The aim was to show “how hunts are following the letter of the law in their preparations for every hunt day, and show trail hunting working successfully”.

BHSA managing director Oliver Hughes told H&H: “These trail hunting demonstration days have had an excellent response from supporters and from local and national media. Even groups who deny that trail hunting is a legitimate, legal, and well-regulated sport have shown an interest in attending to learn more.

“The events have demonstrated how hunts across the country are following the letter of the law in their preparations for every hunt day and have shown how trail hunting works.

“We need to be open about our sport to prove that those who deny trail hunting exists are entirely wrong.”

Mr Hughes said there were more than 11,000 days of trail hunting last year, attended by thousands of people.

“We expect all hunts to operate not only within the confines of the Hunting Act but also within our own BHSA code of conduct,” he said. “In doing so, hunts are maintaining the traditions of the sport and giving all supporters and followers, whether mounted or on foot, a fantastic opportunity to see hounds working in beautiful countryside. Any member of the public is welcome at our demonstrations so all those interested should contact us and come along to one of our next events to be held in spring next year.”

Polly Portwin, hunting director at the Countryside Alliance told H&H: “The Alliance has long been encouraging hunts to use every opportunity to demonstrate their lawful hunting activities to the widest audience possible such as at county shows, game fairs and point-to-points. Each year Boxing Day meets remain hugely popular and again, provide a suitable occasion to showcase trail hunting to the public. We welcome these events and look forward to seeing more and more hunts engage further with their local communities, offering reassurance that their activities are legitimate and acceptable.”

9 ways to impress on the hunting field

Tessa Waugh — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 13:00:38 +0000

If you’re keen to show willing and impress on the trail hunting field, take a look at these useful tips...

1. You have far more of a chance of being helpful if you pay attention to what is going on around you. Stop chatting (not all day — we’re allowed a bit of fun) about last night’s party or so and so’s new horse, and look and listen.

2. When you come to a closed gate and you see the field master looking around, quickly volunteer to open it. If you have to get off your horse, so much the better. It’s great for your trail hunting-cred — everyone will file past thanking you and thinking that you’re marvellous.

3. Similarly, if you see the huntsman or master and the hounds heading in the direction of a closed gate with no-one to help him, ask the field master if you can go and open it.

4. If you trail hunt with a pack that doesn’t have nominated gate-shutters, try and close a few gates after everyone else has gone through — and not just the nice swingy ones with the latches that you can do from your horse. Get off and do the miserable one off its hinges in a bog. With any luck, someone else will be there to hold your horse.

5. Look out for any stock in the fields you are going through. If you see a herd of cattle charging towards an open gate which members of the field are exiting, position your horse between the gate and the cattle to prevent them from escaping. If any stock get out, offer to help get them back in.

6. Try to get to know the farmers whose land you are crossing so that when you come across them, perhaps holding a gate open, you can smile and politely pass the time of day, rather than barging through and shouting “gate please” without giving said farmer (whose land you are on) a second glance.

7. If one of your fellow field members is struggling with a piece of tack or wanting to get off for any reason, volunteer to hold their horse. Likewise, if you see the master or hunt staff getting off their horse for any reason, offer to go and hold it for them.

8. If you see a loose horse, try catching it and taking it back to its rider. It is a massive bore going back, particularly if hounds are running, but the shoe might be on the other foot another day.

9. When you are on a road, be aware of any traffic that can’t get through, get out of the way quickly and send the message forward by shouting “car please”. Any communication that encourages better relations between hunting and non-hunting people is a good thing.

‘Better than we could have hoped for’: former top racehorse takes to new career like a duck to water

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 17:01:11 +0000

Four years to the day after he won the Grade One Betfair Chase at Haydock, Lostintranslation scored his first victory in his post-racing career with Roddy Stanning when taking the annual Yeomanry Ride at Badminton in Gloucestershire (25 November), organised by the Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt.

The 11-year-old, formerly trained by Colin Tizzard, is primarily with the Stannings to team-chase and hunt, but when Roddy’s intended mount in the Yeomanry Ride was found to have a “niggle” in a check ligament 10 days before the race, he decided to take “Lost” instead for a school round.

Roddy, for whom it was a first hunt race success, said: “I’m thrilled with him – he’s taken to a change of career and environment better than we could have hoped for.

“The plan was just a gentle lob round, but people kept disappearing in front of me and at the halfway point I found myself in the lead. He’s a really class horse and he found it pretty simple. Team chasing, hunt races and hunting are so easy for the quality racehorses, if they have the brain for it, because they are operating so far beneath their potential that they can just enjoy it and have fun.”

Lostintranslation, who won £420,985 while racing, came to the Stannings after his last run in February.

“He pootled round a novice team chase in April and took to it straightaway,” said Roddy, whose wife Susannah won the Yeomanry Ride in 2015. “He had the summer out, then did two intermediates [with Team Ride Away] nice and steady, then two quicker ones. He’s had a couple of quiet days’ hunting with the BV [Blackmore and Sparkford Vale] and was a complete gent; he stands, waits, goes in the front, middle or back of the field.”

On how Roddy came to have Lost in his stable, he said: “We live relatively close to the Tizzards and I help out with the BV point-to-point, where Joe [Tizzard] is clerk of the course. After a committee meeting, I’d seen that Lost had not run brilliantly at Cheltenham in January, and didn’t look as though he was loving racing any more, so I asked Joe what the plan was.

“He said he was running again that week; he ran again and was’t particularly interested, pulled himself up two thirds of the way round, so I messaged Joe and asked if he was interested in him coming to us to hunt and team chase. We didn’t know anything about what he was like at home – nothing other than what we’d seen on TV, but we picked him up three or four weeks later.”

Lost’s co-owner Paul Taylor and his family suffered a tragedy in 2015 when his three-year-old son, Charlie Taylor, was accidentally run over and killed by his own grandfather after he crawled under the family car in the driveway at their home in Poole, Dorset. It is thought the boy was trying to retrieve his skateboard when his grandfather reversed the car. A couple of years later, Paul and his friend Richard O’Dwyer bought Lost and opted to run the gelding in yellow and blue silks, to depict the colours of the Minions cartoon characters that were Charlie’s favourite.

“He’s a lovely horse to have around; we’re very lucky and are very grateful to Paul for allowing us to have him – he keeps in touch and loves hearing how he is getting on,” said Roddy.

What’s in your hip flask this winter? Try these if you dare…

Catherine Austen — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 13:02:24 +0000

Offering your hip flask around is the perfect ice-breaker on the trail hunting field. And who doesn’t get braver after a swig of booze on an empty stomach? But what’s the perfect tipple?

I have to admit I started young — my mother considered cherry brandy (which does, after all, taste like high-quality cough medicine) completely acceptable from about the age of 10 onwards.

No point ringing Childline now, but probably safer to stick to Ribena for the younger generation… The standards are port, whisky, sloe gin and cherry brandy. But there are almost infinite variations of hip flask recipes, from the sublime to the ridiculous.

H&H canvassed some hardcore hunting people for their opinions:

Hannah Vowles: plum gin or rhubarb vodka. “Jumping juice for the Portman vale.”

George Bowyer: Percy Special (one part whisky to one part cherry brandy), or Rusty Nail (Drambuie and Scotch)

Ruth Edge: orange gin

Jo Geddes: Skittles vodka (put Skittles and vodka in a bottle through a cycle in the dishwasher to shake it all up)

Flora Watkins: sloe and blackberry gin, or toffee vodka (which can also be made with Werther’s Originals and vodka) — the latter is also a favourite of FEI vet Ali Butler’s

Belinda Sparey: blackberry whisky

Jane Starkey: ‘Singing Johnny’ – blackcurrants and whisky

Simon Hodgkinson: cherry gin

Harry Wallace: Percy Special

Daniel Crane: Kentucky Lucky (50% Kentucky bourbon, 50% port). “Try it if you dare!” he says.

Max Douglas: plum rum (which can be made with damsons and Bacardi)

William Fox Grant: damson gin with almonds

Carrie Tucker: raspberry vodka

Netty Higgins: Damson brandy

Jane Hedley: one part gin to two parts peach schnapps

Charles Landless: mixture of sloe brandy, port and ginger wine

Charlie and Clare Gundry: Stroh ‘80’ or Spiritus Rektyfikowany. Clare says: “Will put you in hospital, but by God you will cross the country first…” (ed — don’t try this at home unless you are a Gundry).

Other votes went to gooseberry gin, rhubarb gin, greengage gin — you get the gist.

Both Matthew Wright and Emily MacMahon suggested poitin, a spirit distilled from potatoes and for a long time illegal… “You become as brave as a lion and can’t feel the cold — but after a few gulps you can’t feel anything!” says Emily. Matthew adds a drop of crème de cassis, so you can enjoy the taste while going blind…

And Sophie Wythe suggested Killepitsch, apparently a blood-red herb liqueur from Germany. “Its taste is verging on medicinal, but it gives you bravery, warmth and the courage to kiss the most handsome chap around!” Bottle for the hunting editor, please.

But beware. Oliver Blackwell keeps it simple. “Neat gin. I say it is port and enjoy watching the reactions…” And in a similar vein Ginny Gilmore says: “Whisky every time. Hardly anyone likes it so you get to have it all to yourself.” No wonder she’s so brave over a Wynnstay hedge.

And, lest some readers worry that all hunting people are serious alcoholics, Cottesmore hunt secretary Clare Bell allayed fears when she did sober October. “I took a Bottlegreen ginger and lemongrass presse in my hip flask to the opening meets of the Quorn and Cottesmore. It was 17ºC and my flask was much in demand!”

Hannah Vowles’ rhubarb vodka and plum gin recipes:

“Cheap vodka, ripe rhubarb. Slice rhubarb into long, thin strips and take off tough outer skin. Put into half a bottle of vodka. Add a few big spoons of caster sugar and leave. Turn once a week. Leave as long as you — I do nine months minimum — and it goes a really lovely pink colour. Extra sugar to taste as the rhubarb can be a bit tart.”

“For plum gin, use a quarter of plums to three-quarters cheap gin. Leave skin on and shove into gin with a few spoons of sugar and leave. Give a good shake once a week and taste often. Decant when it tastes right!”

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‘His inner showman came out’: reigning HOYS heavy horse champion spotted enjoying a day out hunting

Alex Robinson — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 18:32:50 +0000

The reigning Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ridden heavy horse of the year Cotebrook Sgurr Alasdair has proved he’s no one trick pony after he was spotted out on the hunting field just a few weeks after his glorious win at the NEC.

Gemma Mcclorey’s Shire gelding, who is known at home as Big Al, turned heads when he headed out with the Pytchley for the first time.

Al was bred by the late Allister King of Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre and Gemma bought him as a three-year-old. Gemma, who is a groom at Middleton Livery Yard, has hunted for several years, but it was her first time taking a Shire.

Al won at HOYS in October under Will Morton, who qualified him at the National Shire Horse show. It was the third time the magnificent eight-year-old had been to the prestigious final.

“He couldn’t attend in 2021 as he came down with a virus, and in 2022 I rode him to finish sixth,” explains Gemma, who also stood champion at Equifest with Al.

Gemma says she decided to hunt Al after his big victory: “He was wrapped in cotton wool before the final, but I always said that if he took the title I’d let him have some fun.

“He was so well behaved and he received lots of compliments on his manners. There are always quite a few riders clinging on for dear life out hunting, but I could ride Al on a nice loose contact as he lolloped along enjoying himself.

“He stood like a rock, too. At one point I had a glass or port in one hand, a sausage in the other, and he just stood solid. He was very proud and his inner showman definitely came out on the hunt field.”

At home, Gemma says Al is her “big pet”.

“He’s like a Labrador,” she adds. “He doesn’t know his strength sometimes, but he’s the most perfect gentleman and he’s a pleasure to do.

“He will do a little bit more hunting this season, as well as some dressage. He really does it all. I feel very lucky to have him.”

Enjoyed reading about Cotebrook Sgurr Alasdair? You may also be interested to read…

(Image credit: Gemma Mcclorey)

Celebrating the HOYS supreme horse of the year winners 2003–2025

(Image credit: Gemma Mcclorey)

Celebrating HOYS supreme ponies of the year: 2003–2025

(Image credit: Gemma Mcclorey)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Farewell to hunt master and D Day veteran who walked 230 miles aged 97

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:33:22 +0000

Former master of the Wilton and D-Day veteran Paul Butler has died at the age of 97.

Paul, who was born in Kingston-upon-Thames, later moved with his wife Christine to the New Forest and first started hunting on his chestnut mare Blondie.

He had many epic points with the New Forest Foxhounds under the stewardship of Sir Newton Rycroft. He then took office as point-to-point secretary with the New Forest Buckhounds and helped improve the promotion of the point-to-point at Larkhill, Salisbury.

Paul was in the Royal Navy; he landed tanks on D-Day as a midshipman, aged 17. He went in at 0600, in the first line of attack on Sword Beach.

He won many cups for the Navy running team and was invited to escort the Olympic torch through southern England en route to the London 1948 Games. He also ran for the Blackheath Harriers and won many races.

He loved racing; his beautiful dapple grey Rugantino won seven times at Devon and Exeter with Josh Gifford, and he would proudly present the Rugantino Cup in the 1960s with his mother-in-law, darling Grandma Meg.

Paul related many amusing events during his hunting career; one was a boxer dog who would often join the pack and run all day, much to the amusement of Stan Reed the huntsman and former Burley postman.

Paul joined the Wilton and had many epic points with the celebrated huntsman John Cook, including an eight-point from Odstock copse to Martin Down. He became treasurer at the Wilton and later with Lord Radnor took over the joint-mastership from the colourful character Willy Poole, a hard act to follow.

Paul was joint-master for two seasons before becoming sole master. He went about making the pack the friendliest in the area by reputation. He improved the hunt country by opening up new pieces of country like Dinton Beeches and Grovely Wood, and with Colonel Mitchell and Stuart Tory he worked to improve the hounds. This paid off in many epic points, including a memorable 10-mile point from Sixpenny Handley to the outskirts of Shaftesbury.

Paul later became chairman of the New Forest Beagles and used his connections with the Wilton to open up the former Chilmark country around Salisbury. He was also involved in fundraising for the beagles and helped develop the team chase.

Paul spent his final years in Portugal and at the age of 97 completed a 230-mile sponsored walk in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, lending credence to his firm belief that the difficult is there only to be achieved. Donations can still be made via Paul Butler’s JustGiving page.

He is survived by his children Anthony and Jan, and grandchildren Alexander, Daniel, Edward and Mariella.

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A beginner’s guide to trail hunting: all your key questions answered

Madeleine Silver — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:24:31 +0000

Never been hunting, but would love to have a go? H&H explains how to get started and answers your questions during hunting’s Newcomers’ Week (21-28 October 2023)

Never been trail hunting, but would love to have a go? H&H explains how to get started with our beginner’s guide to trail hunting, which answers the most common questions from first-timers ahead of Newcomers’ Week (21-28 October 2023).

How do I find out where to go?

To find your local hunt, visit bhsa.org.uk. Then ring the hunt secretary. This applies for any day’s hunting when you are not a subscriber to that particular pack. Ask him or her whether you can come out, where the meet is, where you should park and how much you have to pay. This is called the “cap”. It will vary enormously between hunting countries depending on how old you are and whether you are planning to follow on a horse or on foot. Packs often do good deals for under-25s and people who farm within the hunting country.

Do I need a companion?

If you can persuade a hunting friend with a well-behaved horse to accompany you, great, particularly if your horse hasn’t been out before. But it’s not essential. Tell the hunt secretary this is your first time, or that you are fairly inexperienced on the hunting field. He/she may be able to suggest someone to look after you for the day, and at least will be aware and able to keep an eye on you.

Is my horse suitable?

The answer is that you don’t really know until you get there, but there is no reason why any horse shouldn’t learn to hunt well. Many horses get a little overexcited by being at such a terrific “party”, but can you blame them? Autumn hunting is perfect for horses who haven’t hunted, and for young, green animals because things happen at a more gentle pace. There is often more standing-around time for them to absorb what’s going on. If your horse is used to busy collecting rings and doesn’t mind dogs around his feet, there’s every chance he’ll be fine. Use your brain and stay to the side of the main field so your horse has a chance to look at what’s going on, rather than throwing him straight into the middle of the group.

Do I need to plait?

Not during autumn trail hunting, which extends until the opening meet at the beginning of November. After that most people will plait up, out of smartness and courtesy to those whose land they are crossing, but it’s not compulsory. Manes should be neat, tidy and clean, but you shouldn’t get sent home for not plaiting.

What should I wear?

Looking smart is essential – think competition smart and take pride in your appearance. a tweed jacket and shirt (with tie collar) and tie or shirt (with stock collar) and coloured stock, pale breeches, clean short boots and gaiters/half-chaps or long boots, dark gloves and a hat with a dark cover.

After the opening meet, in the season proper, adults tend to wear black or navy coats, but you will see some in tweed. If you don’t own a tweed coat for autumn hunting, don’t worry about it too much. Girls: make use of a hairnet, make-up is fine, but not don’t overdo it, and take off jewellery unless you want to risk tearing your earlobes off on low branches. Body protectors are acceptable, but wear it under your jacket rather than over it if you can.

What should my horse wear?

If you aren’t sure about your brakes, err on the side of caution or take a stronger bit/martingale in the lorry with you. Numnahs should be dark and follow the shape of the saddle — save that white dressage square for another day. If you know your horse might kick, put a red ribbon on his tail and stay well out of the way whenever possible. Kicking a horse or a rider is bad enough, but kicking a hound is the worst thing you can do. You will get sent home, so make sure your horse’s head is turned towards hounds, not his backside. A green ribbon denotes a young horse, and if someone puts the back of their hand in the hollow of their back, it means “don’t get too close”.

Should he wear boots?

This is up to you. If you live in wall country, knee boots are de rigeur. Otherwise it’s your choice, and you know what suits your horse. But remember the boots will be on for a lot longer during the course of a hunting day than they would be during a cross-country round, and the risks of rubbing and overheating are greater. You’ll find plenty do and plenty don’t.

Will I have to jump huge hedges?

Of course not. Even if your hunt has a reputation for being a serious jumping pack, you can always go round — and there will be other people taking the roundabout route, too. Only jump what you feel happy with; it’s not a competition.

How fit does my horse need to be?

Very rarely does trail hunting involve galloping flat-out for very long, and autumn hunting in particular can involve a lot of standing around. Your horse needs to be fit enough to canter up a hill without collapsing, but really doesn’t need to be racehorse-fit. And you can go home whenever you like — don’t feel compelled to stay out for hours if you and your horse are knackered.

Golden rules for first-timers

Find out who the master is and say good morning
Never overtake the field master, and always listen carefully to his instructions
Always thank traffic that slows down or stops
Never block the road
Don’t park in gateways or driveways unless specifically told you can
If you hear the shout “huntsman please!” or “whip please!” get out of the way sharpish so they can get through
Always call them hounds, not dogs
If the person in front of you shouts “gate, please!”, pass it back to the next person, unless you are last through, in which case you should shut it, unless told otherwise
Do turn your mobile phone off, and talk quietly while standing at the side of a covert — the huntsman will not be pleased to hear you shrieking about what you got up to the night before
Never ride across the middle of a field of sown corn, even if you see hunt staff doing so
Do ask questions about what is going on. The more you understand about a day’s hunting, the more you will enjoy it. People will be very happy to answer your queries
Do find the field master/master/secretary before you go home and say thank you and good night, which is the traditional way to say goodbye — even at 9am

‘He’s a star and I wish they all moved like him’: former top racehorse Blaklion thriving in new career

Gemma Redrup — Sun, 21 May 2023 15:32:58 +0000

Blaklion, the popular Grade One-winning National Hunt racehorse, was retired from his very successful career on the track in March 2023 at the age of 14.

His illustrious career over fences included finishing fourth in the 2017 Grand National, a win in the 2017 Becher Chase over the National fences at Aintree, plus two more completions in the Grand National in 2021 and 2022. He also won the 2016 RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, which was one of three victories he recorded at the Festival, collecting more than £460,000 in prize-money during his nine-year career.

Blaklion was trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, Phil Kirby and Dan Skelton. He was bought by Darren and Annaley Yates for £300,000 in February 2019, when he was sent into training with Dan and this is where he stayed until his retirement from racing.

Blaklion en-route to winning the Becher Chase at Aintree in 2017 (Image credit: GROSSICK RACING PHOTOGRAPHY 0771)

Upon Blaklion’s retirement, David Norcross bought the horse from Mr Yates, and he was sent to Lancashire-based rider Alice Pimbley for retraining.

“Blaklion arrived straight from Dan Skelton’s and I started his retraining the following day,” explains Alice, who rides full-time. “He’s got his quirks – he’s a bit nappy and likes to follow other horses, and we haven’t quite nailed canter yet; he can walk, trot or gallop – but he’s a star.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Last weekend, Blaklion won a novice horse class at a local show at Garstang under Alice.

“There were nine horses in the class and he went beautifully – the judge loved him,” says Alice, who explains that she and her mother Jayne Pimbley are working on training Blaklion to stand better in the ring. “If we can get him standing still, he will sweep the board in RoR [Retraining of Racehorses] classes.”

Alice and Blaklion en-route to winning at his first show (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Alice says that Blaklion “loves hacking and schooling” and since arriving on her yard, they have completed two fun rides with the Cheshire Forest Hunt, where they “jumped all the hedges” and have participated in some showing clinics too.

“He’s so unfazed by everything and he never goes into race mode anymore,” says Alice. “He’s very green with his jumping, but something clicked with him recently and he has greatly improved – he is a careful jumper. He’s fab to ride and a beautiful mover – I wish every horse moved like him!”

Alice and Blaklion en-route to winning at his first show (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Alice is going to do some more showing with Blaklion and she plans to team chase him and take him hunting too.

“I will hunt him with the Holcombe Harriers and I’d love to take him down to hunt with the Ledbury too – we would have a whale of a time jumping their big hedges!”

Alice and Blaklion on a fun ride (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Long-term, the plan is for owner David’s children to take on the ride on Blaklion, who Alice says David affectionately calls “Mr Lion”.

“All the staff from both Dan and Nigel’s yards are still in close contact with me,” says Alice. “At least one member of staff messages me each day and they are planning to organise a group trip to come and visit us.”

Blaklion jump schooling at home with Alice (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mud, glorious mud? How to clean your hunting coat

Catherine Austen — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:02:55 +0000

Hosing, dunking, brushing when wet, letting it dry, hovering or dry-cleaning? Horse & Hound’s hunting editor investigates the most effective ways of cleaning your hunting coat

The hunting season is behind us and it was a good one. While there is nothing indeed like it for cooling the blood, the endless cleaning of horses and kit does become a bit tedious.

Now it’s time to store those hunting boots (clean, and with a good layer of polish) and hang the hunting coat in the wardrobe.

But before you do, what really is the best way to clean your hunting coat?

To wash or not to wash?

It’s a question hunting people can argue about for hours. Do you brush it when it is wet or dry? Some recommend dunking it in a butt of rainwater and scrubbing while wet. Rainwater is softer than the stuff that comes out of the tap, and does less damage to the cloth.

“I put mine in the water trough and leave overnight, heave it out, hang it in a stable and leave to dry,” says the Ledbury’s Louise Daly.

Cottesmore hunt secretary Clare Bell says: “If I have been unlucky enough to fall off, I hose it down in the wash box, then hang above the log burner to dry.”

“Hang it outside on the garden gate and wet scrub it with not too hard a brush and warm water,” says the Heythrop’s Jane Lambert.

If, like me, you live in a flat and the facilities are limited, it might be easier to leave it to dry. I then pick the biggest lumps of mud off with my finger nails, brush the rest with a stiff brush, then sponge the remaining stains. And maybe have a little cry because it is such an annoying job and it gives me arm ache.

Former H&H editor Lucy Higginson says: “I have settled on a blunt knife to remove dried mud blobs first. Then a nailbrush with warm water, blotted up by an old tea towel.”

Choosing the right brush to clean a hunting coat

What sort of a brush you use will slightly depend on the type of cloth the coat is made of — modern, lighter-weight coats won’t take being scrubbed very hard with a stiff brush very well. A clean dandy brush might be gentler.

Dressage and showing star Louise Bell says: “Use a good quality dandy brush — elbow grease and a wet brush to finish, then leave to dry somewhere airy but not too hot to avoid shrinking.”

It’s not just mud you need to remove, it’s also horse sweat, particularly round the cuffs.

“The only way to remove it is a stiff brush with very hot water,” says the Ledbury’s Tom Leeke. “Once a season I use a steam cleaner — it brings up the nap beautifully.”

What about dry-cleaning?

Most serious hunting people would throw their hands up in horror, claiming it ruins the cloth and removes its waterproofing qualities. I don’t recommend it for proper, thick, black/blue/red coats, but I think you can get away with it every now and then with a tweed coat.

Journalist Camilla Swift points out: “Don’t dry-clean, but if you must, make sure to cover up your hunt buttons with foil or plastic bags, as the white will come off the lettering and you will have to get the Tippex pen out!”

Can a hoover clean a hunting coat?

Hoovering seems to be popular.

Becky Blandford says: “I use a suede brush to get the mud off, than use my hand-held hoover all over it. Then I put it on just before I leave to go hunting and my groom gives me another hoover.”

Apparently the upholstery attachment works best…

The Cotley’s Lucinda Eames is another hovering fan.

“Let it dry, brush and then finally hoover,” she recommends.

And what about a washing machine?

You would have thought a washing machine would be a total no-no. But Fiona Garfield, who hunts in Herefordshire, says: “At the end of the season I put it in the washing machine with wool-wash liquid on a cold cycle. It comes out like new; it hasn’t shrunk and is still waterproof.”

I admit that once, after emerging from a bog in Ireland covered from head to toe in liquid mud and knowing that I had to be clean and ready to go again the following day, the mother of the friend I was staying with hosed my coat and then put it in the tumble-dryer. It worked perfectly, but I’m sure if I did it myself it would shrink.

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