Hunting world in shock after death of joint-master
The joint-master of the Cottesmore, Gems McCormick, has died due to an accident out hunting.
Ms McCormick was out with the Fitzwilliam (Milton) hunt yesterday (Wednesday, 4 November) when the accident happened.
She reportedly fell after a fence and suffered a head injury.
It was the Fitzwilliam’s opening meet, and the hunt has “expressed sincere condolences” to her family.
A spokesman for the Cottesmore said: “Gems was a wonderful joint-master and a generous supporter of the Cottesmore hunt. We were lucky to have her as a master from 2012. Always immaculately turned out quietly and efficiently fulfilling her role. She was a pleasure to go hunting with.”
The Cottesmore has cancelled its meet today (Thursday, 5 November) as a mark of respect.
“We are extremely sad to hear to the death of Gems. She was a huge supporter of hunting in Leicestershire and beyond,” said a spokesman for the Countryside Alliance.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Hunting was a very big part of her life and she will be long missed by the Cottesmore country.”
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
A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.