RETURN OF THE HUNTS in the Westcountry

[CornishmanUK 0]

WMN

 

The autumn mist and drizzle did not dampen the determined mood at the opening meet of the Mid Devon Hunt at Chagford on Saturday, where the hunting community demonstrated yet again that their sport is still very much alive.

 

Some 70 riders and their mounts met more than 200 foot followers at the gateway to the High Moor.

 

After a spectacular ride-in on Mr Grumbles and accompanied by his baying hounds joint Master of Fox Hounds (MFH) George Lyon-Smith said: "All is going extremely well and as you can see we have fantastic support and there is a huge amount of heart in the country."

 

With regard to the hunting ban he added: "We are a very happy hunt and will bowl along until there is a change of government. Until then we carry on and make it work.

 

"The anti-hunt lot occasionally try to stop us. We had one instance recently where they tried to pull the hounds on to a dual carriageway to cause mayhem - true animal lovers!"

 

It was clear that the support spanned the generations and among the host of young riders was the MFH's son Tommy.

 

Nine-year-old Sarah Gillard on her grey pony Poppy was beaming from ear to ear as she was led by her mother Helen. "Hunting is part of everyday life in the country and I want Sarah to have every chance to experience it while she can," she said.

 

Twin sisters Clemmie and Cicely Moore, 13, who often ride side saddle, were out on Nolan and Swift and intending to have "a great day out".

 

Ten-year-old Henry Wells from the Mid Devon Pony Club was riding his four-year-old skewbald mare, Issy, who was on her first time out hunting.

 

"I just love to go galloping and give her lots of rein," Henry said.

 

His father Tom said: "Henry's ambition is to outlast the huntsman!

 

"There are the same numbers out, that there were last year and the year before and most likely 30 years before that."

 

"We will continue to work within the law and continue to be part of the fabric of rural life. There is no other sport which combines economy, utility, community and fairness."

 

Hunt members Mary-Lou North with her children Brennan and Elinor Townsend said: "There is a mass of support which is constant."

 

The King family, on holiday from Epsom in Surrey, are keen hunt followers and racehorse owners. "We are National Hunt people and it is lovely to see such strong support down here. It is a great turnout."

 

As the hunt turned to leave, Mr Lyon-Smith said: "A very big thank you to all those who have helped make this such a lovely meet. The whole thing keeps bowling on and it is good to see such support."

 

The riders clattered out down Chagford's streets with smiles on every face and headed out to the High Moor. Minutes later they massed in an amazing spectacle across the peak of Meldon hill as the hounds searched for the trail.

[mouse 282]

brilliant mate.they will never stop us.[bANNED TEXT] f****n ban.