Hunt banned from National Trust land
A temporary ban from trail hunting on National Trust property has been handed to a Somerset hunt.
The Minehead Harriers was suspended from its annual licence on 28 January following alleged breaches of the terms of the contract.
The 12,000 acre Holnicote Estate, which lies in Minehead Harriers hunt country, is owned by the National Trust.
A meeting between the hunt and the Trust took place on 11 February.
The National Trust has agreed to lift the suspension — potentially from 1 March — provided a mutually agreed “code of conduct” is written and made available to the hunt’s members and followers.
“A number of other requirements will also need to be met before we agree to lift the suspension,” a spokesman told H&H.
“These include, for example, the hunt improving communication with the Trust.”
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
He added if the suspension is lifted, the Trust will expect the hunt to comply with the existing licence terms, as well as the other measures it has requested, for the rest of the season.
A hunt spokesman said the meeting was “very productive” and the Minehead Harriers has promised to publish a code and to improve communication with the Trust.
“It was made clear by the National Trust that they were highly supportive of the lawful trail hunting that the Harriers engage in as part of the Trust’s mission to preserve the rural traditions of the South West,” he said.
Popular articles:
- Are you angry or happy? Horses can tell by your facial expressions
- Denman feeling ‘fresh’ after gallop at Newbury
- Eventing may be forces to leave Olympic Games, warns top US trainer *H&H VIP*
“The Trust recognised the problems the hunt face from pressure groups determined to cause trouble for lawful hunting in the area.
“The hunt appreciates the difficult job that the Trust has to do in preserving and maintaining their land for the benefit of the public.”
He added that the hunt looks forward to a “long and productive” association with the organisation.
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
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.