Milton Hill Farm 21st Feb 2010 .
Many thanks to Richard and Sarah Ensor for allowing us
to come and hunt on their farm today. The going is always excellent and
the Barbury team do an excellent job with the fence building. Glasses of port
were enjoyed at the meet – we all have our own excuses “helps with the dutch
courage”, “warms me up” but whatever the reason it is very welcome.
The Barbury fox is a wily one and clearly travels
great distances (refer to Barbury report for pictures of him on his quad bike!).
Milton Hill Farm lines provide an excellent opportunity for the field to see
hounds at work, a real pleasure to watch. Penny did warn us at the meet
that the first line had some good corners to negotiate and she wasn’t joking as
we weaved our way through the woods popping fences as we went. From the
woods, we then had some lovely grass strips to enjoy and at the end of the line
a good hill to pull up which hopefully checked even the most eager horses.
Before the next line we were warned to take heed of
the chevron signs which took us away from the badger holes but before these
there is some more twisty woodland paths – control was definitely a requirement
today. There is also a spectacular view of the Pewsey Vale during this
line and I’m sure many did indeed take in this view although one particular
member of the field had no chance of enjoying the scenery as she sped past in a
flat out gallop, her horse was clearly on its own mission!
A brisk trot along the road led us to the last line
which had some lovely jumps including a barrel jump, a log pile and some good
sturdy raised poles and branches. For those of us who spend our days
hacking in deep, boggy mud, it is a delight to let the horses enjoy some speed
and jumping on such great ground. I do believe the horses finish the day
with smiles as big as their riders!
So with contented horses duly washed off, rugged up
and safely ensconced in their lorries and trailers, the riders were treated to a
tea of sandwiches, warm homemade sausage rolls (Penny these really are
delicious, thank you), homemade blueberry muffins and for the chocoholics
amongst us, some mars bars, etc. Good luck to all those out today who have
entered the Berks and Bucks team chase next week, have fun and kick on!