Chaddleworth 3rd Feb 2008

What a fabulous bright but chilly day we had last Sunday at Chaddleworth.  It was marvellous to try somewhere different and to enjoy great scenery and lovely jumps.  This meet also saw some new faces in the field.

Having parked the lorries on either side of the farm  we then enjoyed a 15 minute hack up over the hill through fields to The Ibex pub where we were warmly greeted by delicious port and then waved off to our first line by many spectators. 

The first line started high up on the hill. The ground was superb, the jumps beautifully made by Darren and enjoyed by us all.  A good gallop across fields chasing the hounds!   We did loose one or two of the field who then found us by hacking along the road.  Unfortunately Phoebe's horse went lame and a replacement was found. 

Onto Line two. The team chase course and what fun we all had. I think we all definitely won!  Here it was thrilling to jump most of the jumps on the course, from brush fences, tyres, palisades, and logs and how pleased we all were at the end of the line.   It was also good to get horses fitter by galloping across the fields. 

The last line started with a long hack along some bridleways and through the woods before sending  us on a good gallop over the hurdles. Once again the scenery was quite special and the going superb. In this line we saw how well our hounds go.  A big thank you to Ian our Kennel - Huntsman. 

Then a long hack home, back to the lorries and to The Ibex for soup and sandwiches and a glass or two of beer or wine. 

A truly smashing day had by all. 

NE