Kingsclere 11th March 2007

Quite a contingent of the Staff College, including hounds, came to this meet as their country was waterlogged. Parts of Kingsclere were deemed to be too wet but Ian, walking and driving in his neck brace, still provided four lines on excellent ground and with plenty of jumping. "Have fun", he said at the meet and we did! The younger three generations of the Balding family attended the meet, dispensing port and sausage rolls. The Berks and Bucks are truly fortunate to have such support.
A combined staff unloaded 10 1/2 couple of our hounds and 4 couple of the, mainly white, Staff College's - there was commonality between the packs in a tricolour a piece, and "No, you can't have ours Ma'am - one of our best!" (Mark Winter, Staff College huntsman) Those without hound experience would be amazed how easily the two packs merged and at the end of the day, separated again to their respective modes of homeward transport. "Chalk", of the Staff College and "Romany", of the Berks and Bucks seemed in competition for the hound most needing reminder to stay behind the huntsmen between lines! It was a wonderful spectacle to see the mixed colours hunting together and if drag hunting started as a means to test the speed and ability of hounds, it was very apparent that some of the white, Staff College hounds were at the front - and some well to the back!

Ian had given strict instructions at the meet that the tyre jumps on the first line needed to be attacked with confidence, only by those who were sure that they could jump them - they had claimed several scalps in the past (including IAB's!) and would continue to do so. Robin, our revered leader, ground to a halt at the first of them while my dressage horse continued, completely unperturbed! Not all dressage horses are wrapped in cotton wool - mine had done a reasonable PSG test the previous weekend and was overjoyed to be out with hounds again! 

The first line ran along "Long Meadow" and then climbed to the top of Cannon Heath Down before finishing in the team chase/hunter trial lorry park over a good hedge. There were some great jumps here and some near misses! Young Henry Hobby (3 1/2 years old) had taken time getting the feel of how to jump the much smaller alternative. He is convinced that drag hunting is all about racing and also that his father is a winner! Jeff, fieldmastering today, looked to be hard pressed to maintain this perception with two females closely stuck just behind him! Strong police presence joined us here (three cars in all). While not apprehending the car thieves regularly at work in the car park, they seemed to enjoy watching our proceedings!
The second line was the same as on Boxing Day and then we crossed the road again to go up the scurry course. As always, this is a complete joy, Berks and Bucks whips in full flight!
It was a delightful hack between lines three and four, time to appreciate the panoramic view on what was a most beautiful day. A drop hedge was nearly the demise of Mark's horn, as the retaining strap to it's case broke in mid-flight. Some athletic manoeuvring saved the day! I think hounds turned left shortly afterwards, when they should have turned right (I never was much good at left and right!) and some little while later lost the line. Undeterred, combined packs struggled together with ridden help to finish the day. Mark blew an exceedingly fine "going home" on his salvaged horn. I might have re-established piaffe but it was a splendid rendition!
Tea followed in the parking area, variously provided by B&B staff - hot drinks, hot sausages, doughnuts, yummmies and cake. And was the wind blowing!