By Frances McKim and Catherine Austen

What do you do when coronavirus movement restrictions prevent you from handing over a large cheque in person? You enlist the help of an eight-week-old litter of hound puppies, of course.

Subscribers of the Quorn hunt had planned in March to present the cheque, for £1,200, to representatives of the Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance, but the plan was scuppered by Covid-19.

Undeterred, joint hunt secretary Nicola Housley hatched an alternative plan, to commission the puppies for the job. With the cheque written out, the Quorn’s huntsman, Ollie Finnegan, who lives at the kennels, had the task of helping Nicola, and persuading the pups to pose.

“This was no easy task,” said Nicola.

“Anyone who has had anything to do with puppies is well aware of their sense of adventure. The pups certainly thought this was all good fun and had other ideas of exploring the vicinity, rather than sitting around looking sweet.

“After several attempts we managed to persuade enough of them to surround the cheque, rather than sitting on it or simply running over it.”

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The money was raised by members of the Quorn tumblers’ club. Anyone who fell off, without being hurt, during the 2019/20 season had to put £5 in the pot, and the total was topped up by a fundraising game held at a dinner on 7 March in Melton Mowbray.

The winner of the dubious Tumblers’ award, a cut-glass whisky tumbler, was Ross Bentley from East Leake, who is recorded to have dismounted involuntarily four times out hunting on a Quorn Monday.

In a letter of thanks for the donation, the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance said: “On average our crew attend five rescue missions per day and we do not receive any government funding. This means that without the support of people like you, we simply could not do the life-saving work that we do. We are lifted into the air by your generosity.”

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A hunt has developed a new safety hat that will be available to buy for the coming season.

The Quorn Hunter riding cap is the result of discussions between members of the hunt and manufacturer Charles Owen.

“It has been designed to maintain a traditional look whilst bringing the headwear up to date with modern safety standards,” explained hunt secretary Peter Morritt.

“Following some unfortunate high profile accidents and head injuries recently, our huntsman Peter Collins expressed an interest in seeing if we could develop a hat that would satisfy the traditionalists while incorporating the safety standards expected of modern headgear so I approached Charles Owen and it’s all stemmed from that.”

Peter Collins (pictured) — who has been the huntsman of the famous pack since 2002 — revealed why he decided it was time for him to progress from wearing a more traditional type hunting cap:

“I ride a motorbike in the summer and wouldn’t dream of getting on that without a proper safety helmet,” he told H&H.

So I decided it was time for me to make a stand and for us to explore the idea to see if there was a way to satisfy the needs of hunt staff and the wider hunting community.”

The hat, which is based on the traditional deep-crown hunting cap worn by many hunt staff and subscribers, carries a British standard kite mark and has a safety harness.

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Roy Burek, managing diretor of Charles Owen, told H&H: “This is a big step for a member of hunt staff to push this initiative and we are keen to support those hunts who are moving away from the traditional hunting cap to something that meets modern safety regulations.”

The hat, which is branded inside with the Quorn Hunt’s logo, will be available to buy at £250. They will be stocked at the kennels and will also be available via the hunt’s website.

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Last year’s Quorn opening meet attracted a British post-war record of 40 ladies riding side saddle. This season, organiser Emma Brown (pictured) is hoping for an even bigger turnout.

“We have had a huge response and are hoping to beat the 50 side saddle riders who attended the Meath meet in Ireland in January,” said Emma.

Side saddle “dashers” Martha Sitwell and Becca Holland and event rider Fiona Davidson are expected to attend, plus a host of first-timers. Riders will enjoy tackling some of the cream of the Quorn’s Leicestershire country.

Both jumping and non-jumping ladies — and foot-followers — are welcome at the opening meet which takes place on Friday, 25 October and the cocktail party afterwards.

Some side saddle hirelings are still available.

For more information contact Emma Brown directly, tel: 07771 984823 or email emmacb6969@yahoo.com

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One member of the Quorn Hunt branch of the Pony Club was the envy of all her friends at camp earlier this month — as her partner for the week was Jeanette Brakewell’s former ride, Chill Out Bob.

The 17-year-old gelding, owned by Hazel Stockdale Wright, retired fit and sound from top-level eventing earlier this year. For the past few months he has been ridden by Hazel’s daughter, Charlotte Wright.

Charlotte, 16, said Jeanette’s former head girl had suggested that she take Bob to camp.

“At first I was worried he may not adapt to the Pony Club lifestyle, especially as he used to be described as a ‘cross-country machine’,” Charlotte told H&H.

“But Bob was simply a star! He caused quite a stir when the word got round about his past. Friends would come up and admire him and he loved the attention.”

Bob completed 8 4-star events, including 5 consecutive Burghleys and 2 Badmintons.

With that 4-star form, the cross-country at camp was no problem for him — and he also competed in a Chase-me-Charlie competition for the first time in his career, taking it all in his stride.

“He was so relaxed throughout the week and loved every second of it,” said Charlotte.

“Bob was as grumpy as ever in the stable, but I soon learnt to handle him and even won best turned-out for the whole week.

“We also came 6^th in the 2-day event we did at the end of the week. I was very pleased as I have only been riding him properly for a few months.

“It has done the world of good for my riding as I have learnt so much from him. I can’t wait to do some other events with Bob.”

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The bad weather has claimed another high profile victim — this year’s Melton Hunt Club Ride.

The popular race — one of the highlights of the winter hunt ride calendar — had been due to run in the Quorn country, Leicestershire, on 10 February.

But organisers took the decision to cancel last week, when much of the county was under snow.

Melton Hunt Club chairman Joey Newton said the continued bad weather — with widespread flooding followed by snow — and the difficulties of preparing horses in the wintry conditions were to blame.

The race will miss a year and the Quorn event will run in February 2014, he added.

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Side saddle aficionados from as far afield as Ireland and Belgium made the journey to Leicestershire on Saturday (27 October) for the Quorn’s opening meet.

Organised by Emma Brown, 40 ladies hunted side saddle, which is thought to be a record in modern times.

“I was so proud to have had a hand in the proceedings, to see such elegance and history being made — and to see so many friends who enjoy riding sideways,” said Miss Brown.

Riders included the Irish side saddle high jump holder Susan Oakes and her friend Kalindi Lawrence, Heidi Ruyver — who brought her stallion, Berner over from Belgium for the occasion — and 12-year-old Lucy Burton with her pony Maria.

Lorries turned up from Yorkshire and East Anglia. Karen Bamford provided a number of hirelings for riders including Jo Hales and Julia Broadman, a Derbyshire-based side saddle judge.

Another Irish rider, Emily Meredith, looked so elegant in her habit that it prompted her boyfriend, Dermot Haniffy, to propose.

Bruce Langley McKim, who has featured in H&H riding his Irish draught stallion side saddle, lent him to Barbara Wale for the occasion. Other ladies out included Alicia Bradley on 22-year-old Skeeta Reefa — thought to be the oldest horse in the field — and Samantha Pilling from Coalville on Toby, nicknamed ‘the warhorse’, who was reported to have jumped the biggest hedges he has ever tackled sideways.

“I think you could say it’s going to be called the ‘side saddle opening meet’ from now on,” said Miss Brown.

“Monday will seem quiet hunting without them all,” she added.

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Leicestershire side saddle doyenne Emma Brown is hoping for a record number of ladies riding aside at the Quorn opening meet (Friday, 26 October).

Last year Miss Brown encouraged 28 ladies from as far afield as Wales to take to the field. And this year’s opening meet looks set to attract even more enthusiasts.

“We will definitely have more than 30 this time,” she said.

“I’ve got rebookings from last year and at least one lorry load coming from Ireland.”

Miss Brown stressed that recent converts to side saddle should not be deterred from visiting the Quorn country.

“There are some nice hedges and rails and we have a chap on a little cob who’s chaperoning all the girls who don’t want to jump,” she added.

For help with stabling and hirelings call Emma Brown, tel: 07771 984823.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (18 October 2012)

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Spectators at the Quorn’s opening meet were treated to scenes straight out of the pages of Surtees or Trollope when 28 ladies took to the field – side-saddle.

Emma Brown, who has been hunting side-saddle with the Quorn for several years, organised the ladies last Friday (21 October).

“We had riders all the way from Wales to East Anglia and Lincolnshire. They all brought their own horses and had a great time,” she told H&H.

She added that although hunting side-saddle can be a bit hairy, there were no tumbles.

“It was absolutely perfect, though I think the rest of the hunt was quite overwhelmed at the number of side-saddle riders – there were only five of us last year.”

Photographer Nico Morgan captured the ladies in action.

“It was a fabulous sight and Emma did a great job to bring them all together – it was brilliant,” he said.

And it seems other hunts are following suit, with the Pytchley looking to attract more side-saddle riders to a meet in November. Emma declared the activity as “blossoming”.

“As long as you have a lovely horse, there’s nothing better,” said Emma. “Have a drop of port before you set out and make sure you practise at home first!”

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse and Hound (3 November, 2011)

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The Quorn is running a new contest to find hunting’s best gate jumper.

The competition, at Vale View Equestrian Centre, Old Dalby, Leics, on 26 March, recalls the antics of the maverick Henry Beresford, 3rd Marquis of Waterford, in 1838.

“The Mad Marquis” is reputed to have wagered that a horse could jump a five-bar gate, set across the dining room at his Quorn hunting box, Lowesby Hall.

A grey horse named Don Juan, ridden by a Mr Manning from Aylesbury, achieved the feat, winning the aristocrat 100 guineas.

The modern reincarnation, organised by Quorn field master Ashley Bealby, is open to subscribers from all recognised hunts. They will jump a gate starting at 3ft and rising to 6ft 6in maximum.

Riders must jump the gate cleanly in both directions to stay in the competition.

The winner’s prize is £1,000 and a trophy replica of the original gate, still at Lowesby.

Horses registered with British Showjumping in the previous five years, or with affiliated winnings of more than £500, are ineligible.

“It may get people over their fear of jumping the odd gate out hunting,” said Mr Bealby.

Entry fee is £55 — £15 for spectators —and the event starts at 6pm.

Contact Ashley Bealby on 07824 825266 for more information.

This news story was first publised in the current issue of Horse & Hound (3 March, 2011)

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Quorn whipper-in Daniel Cherriman is carrying the horn after huntsman Peter Collins broke his neck in a fall.

Mr Collins was airlifted to hospital on 20 February after his horse slipped and landed on top of him while hunting at Saxelbye.

“It was quite snowy and slippery and my horse came down on top of me.

“I was knocked unconscious and I think he must have trodden on my neck. One of my vertebrae is fractured,” said Mr Collins.

“I won’t be riding again this season and have to wear a neck brace.”

This isn’t Mr Collins’ first trip to hospital. Two years ago he smashed his leg in a fall, right at the end of the hunting season.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (4 March, ’10)

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Leicestershire hunting supporters are being invited to compete in a new show jumping event tailored for them on 13 December.

The Quorn fundraiser at Vale View Equestrian, Old Dalby, will feature clear-round jumping, a hunt relay competition and a Christmas fancy-dress.

“We have been in touch with 20 nearby hunts and are hoping the event will be an opportunity to bring them together,” explained David Birch of the Quorn hunt, who has organised the event.

“I imagine that lots of the horses will be jumping their first show jumping round and so the day has been designed with a strong hunting theme.”

Members of the highest-placed visiting hunt team will receive a free day of hunting with the Quorn and their hunt will receive a £200 donation from sponsors.

Joint-master Kim Turner added: “I think there will be quite a bit of verbal competition between the masters of different hunts in the lead up to the relay — and, of course, fancy dress will be essential.”

Visit: www.quornhunt.co.uk

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (26 November, ’09)

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One of the most popular Quorn followers for over 50 years has died, aged 86.

Joan Crosfield owned one of the Quorn’s most famous coverts, Cream Gorse in the Friday country.

She and her husband, the late Capt Eric Crosfield, a joint-master of the Quorn in the 1960s, lived at Ashby Pastures and were generous hosts to many visitors.

Her funeral was held in Gaddesby Parish Church on 23 July.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (27 August, ’09)

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Michael Farrin, renowned huntsman of the Quorn from 1968 until 98, died on Sunday (18 May) in a Leicester hospice, aged 65. He had been ill for the past two years.

A farmer’s son from the Atherstone country, Michael started hunting in the Pony Club, and entered hunt service in 1958 as second horseman for Capt. Brian Parry, Master of the Atherstone.

Later he whipped in to Brian Parry at the North Cotswold, and joined the Quorn as whipper-in to Jack Littleworth in 1963.

He was appointed Quorn huntsman at 25 and quickly fulfilled his promise as a classic Shires huntsman; a superlative horseman, quick of decision and able to provide superb sport for large, well mounted fields across Leicestershire’s grass and fly fences. He was much admired by generations of Quorn followers.

Michael Clayton, former Editor of Horse & Hound, who hunted with the Quorn throughout most of Michael Farrin’s term, says: “He was the most stylish horseman across a natural country you would ever see.

“People came from all over the world to hunt with the Quorn during those years. The Prince of Wales, the Crown Equerry Sir John Mills, and many racing people including Dick Hern, Barry Hills and Willie Carson were among Michael Farrin’s admirers.

“Michael hunted hounds four times a week during long gruelling seasons and maintained a remarkably high standard at a time when the countryside was eroding and hunting was enduring growing political pressures.

“Through it all, Michael remained a cool, calm figure riding Thoroughbreds, some off the racecourse, with extraordinary skill in front of hard-riding mounted fields.

“Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother sent Michael Farrin several of her ex-chasers, including Colonialist, to ride in the hunting field, and visited the Quorn hunt kennels to see them.”

Michael is survived by his wife, Di, and her son and daughter, and by two sons from his first marriage. His funeral will be held in Melton Mowbray on a date to be announced.

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For the first time in over 50 years the Quorn hunt met at Stanford Hall in Loughborough on 25 February.

Built in 1774, Stanford Hall has been owned by the Co-op since 1944 and used as a staff training centre. The Co-op, notoriously anti-hunting, has kept the Quorn away.

But the hall was sold recently to property developer and keen hunt supporter Chek Whyte, from Channel 4 series The Secret Millionaire, who hosted the meet and allowed the Quorn access to his 300-acre estate.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (13 March, ’08)

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Quorn senior joint-master Joss Hanbury was admitted to hospital with a severe neck injury after a heavy fall while hunting with the Quorn on Monday, 28 January, near Old Dalby.

Joss, also well known as a leading team chase rider, suffered the fall over a timber fence and was taken by ambulance to the Queen’s Medical Hospital, Nottingham, where he was admitted for surgery.

Joss has been joint master for 10 years, and served six years in a previous Quorn mastership.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now