Highworth 18th November 2007

Sorry no pictures from today - included are some from last year

Though the weather took its toll on the size of the field at Highworth, it did also contribute to the excellent firm to soft going.  12 ‘Die Hard Draghunters True’ faced the cold and wet to experience ‘a big and beautiful’ day. 

Johnny Manners is the ultimate host – he really wants you to enjoy yourself at his expense!  He is always out there making sure no hedges are missed and that there are no wimps going round the ‘looming monsters’! Highworth is true, old, established hunting country;  we are privileged and grateful to have access to this. The hedges jump, as you would expect, just “haute”; the fields and headlands provide clean, galloping stretches. The rails present ‘spot on’ to the measuring horses stride. 

Ten and a half couple were hunted today by Robin May, with Jeff Hobby as Whip. Kennel Huntsman Ian Payne brought and oversaw the hounds with Richard Spanswick. 

Hounds followed the trail ‘copybook’ on the first  and second lines. On the third line, after the river crossing, the set-aside provided grazing for quantities of deer.  Distracted by their scent, half the pack broke and crossed onto unwelcome territory; no damage was done. Hounds were retrieved, apologies made, and the final, fourth, line ran to trailed scent. 

Andrew Rickman, with John Perry, not only led the field but prepared the lines and manicured those awesome-jumping hedges.  To them we are eternally grateful for some really good, memorable fun! 

DW 

PS: ‘Splat of the Day’ was delivered by Jeff Hobby at the first hedge on the second line.  Explanations to the field and wife were appropriately given.

PPS - Many roads lead to Rome ! 

CW