How many huntsmen does it take to hunt a pack of hounds? Well to the casual observer at the meet at the Kennels, it would appear that the answer is three! Our Master was delighted to welcome Mr Nic Wheeler MBH (Coakham Bloodhounds) and Mr Marc Winchester MBH (Southern Shires Bloodhounds) - as well as amateur Whipper-in Sara Norman (Southern Shires Bloodhounds) - out hunting with us. Or as he put it, "they have come to worship at the feet of The Master!" Right, we believe you Jeremy, and snap, your back in the room! I am told that secretly, Jeremy was actually wetting himself having two such distinguished and experienced MBHs watching his hounds every move. We were lucky to have Nick Hibbert-Higston, amateur Whipper-in to the Clinkeard and Meon Valley Beagles running for us again, along with his brother James, who was experiencing bloodhound slobber for the first time. They had quite a tough day ahead of them with hills and plough to contend with. They ran brilliantly and fortunately for the Master, so did the hounds.

Hounds were taken to the start of the first hunt on the West Tisted Estate stubble by Ridge Hanger. Running South of Broadway Copse hounds turned North to cross the road onto the Ellis family's land by Broadwood Farm. Hounds swung East and stepped up a gear as they ran towards Wyke Green, with the leaders well ahead of the Field as they crossed Soalwood Lane, to catch their quarry by The Slade.

As we hacked to the start of the second hunt, amateur SDB Whipper-in, Kim Thayer gave a fine exhibition of High School Dressage along the road, with her horse Rupert giving demonstrations of levade, courbette and capriole, all at the same time! The Master observed that Kim's saddle had a bumnah on it, but in fact it must have been Velcro as she hardly moved an inch from the saddle, much to Rupert's disgust! Hounds were soon away from the High Cross road, over the bridleway and racing by The Trooper pub to cross the green lane opposite Warren Lane. This was a short burst over some more of the Ellis's land, to catch their quarry opposite Barnetside Cottages. It was great to see Jane Ellis out with us again.

The third hunt started, on land farmed by Anthony Silk, South West of Church Farm, running down past the farm onto some plough. Hounds were in no mood to show respect for the difficult scenting conditions plough normally presents, and they screamed on giving the mounted followers some difficulty in keeping in touch until they turned up Goleigh Hill, and then fortunately back towards the Field as they skirted the plough. Crossing the top of Goleigh Hill onto Rotherfield Estate land farmed by Richard Mitham, hounds were back in top gear as they ran between Goleigh Farm and Cuckoo Copse downhill, to cross the road by Harkers Cross where they caught their quarry . This was a tough run for the quarries and it was nice to watch the hounds work up to them as they hid in the long grass.

The final hunt from James and Carolyn Fair's Keyham Farm started a bit ahead of schedule when hounds winded the quarries' scent as they approached the start. They were away before the Master could say wait! Running back on Anthony Silk's ground by Hawkley Hanger, hounds turned down to the road by the telephone exchange to catch the quarries who were only half way through the hunt. Hounds were held up while the quarries ran on. Hounds were released to run behind the telephone exchange onto plough, where once again hounds stuck to the line, going behind Priors Dean Church to cross the road towards Valley Farm Cottages. Hounds checked hard here as it became clear that the quarries had put in some work here. Casting themselves uphill, hounds caught the heel line, but went no more than 25 yards before realising their mistake and putting themselves right without assistance. Another hard check at the top of the hill was once again resolved by the hounds on their own, to catch their quarry by Warren Farm. There was much banter between the Masters throughout the day, but as the picture below shows, it was all good natured and no-one took offence!

This was a great days sport, much to the relief of the Master, but we should not forget the amazing support we get from our Secretary, Fran Baker and kennels landlady Ann Brewer (in yellow jackets left). Week after week these ladies also provide services like manning road crossings and giving lifts to the quarries in between hunts and without such support we would be struggling. On this occasion, Ann (right in picture) also laid on a splendid tea for those who wanted refreshing at the end of the day. These ladies, along with Sharon Thayer, also consistently provide photos so that we can look back and remember the fun we had.

Photographs by Ann Brewer and Sharon Thayer (Click to enlarge)

Further photographs available www.ruralshots.com