Rockley 14th Feb 2010 . 

What a start to the day. Snow in Berkshire, There we were putting hats, gloves and warmer coats on to arrive at Rockley in lovely weather. Robin's lorry had to get to the meet early. Rare for us all.  The Field Magazine were out to record the days activities.  Some of us lucky ones rode our horses into the courtyard of the Manor House. A real treat to stand on horseback against the steps to the Manor. The hounds and horses behaved impeccably.  We then moved to the back of the house and to the ha ha to taste the delicious port and sausage rolls. It was so good to see so many riders and spectators. 

We then moved off for the first line. Through the village past the duckpond and wonderful duckhouse, past the church to the back fileds where we galloped up the hill over some brush fences and cross country jumps. The hounds behaving well. We only lost one hound who then made it back to the lorry park and his trailer.  We then went over a tiger trap and rode in reverse way across the field and down the very steep hill. Those of us with brakes at a walk those without quite quickly!

 We now went along the road to start the second line going over the jumps at the back of the house twisting and turning to jump as many logs and cross country jumps as possible going through the woods with wonderful views to finish at the start of that line. Our runner does work hard to lay the scent running up and down the countryside.

 The third line took us insight of Barbury where there was a point to point going on. Lovely to see. This line proved to be eventful with some fallers. On this line you can see the hounds in action. Well done Ian, Sue and Richard. This line also has two very good brush hedges in the fence line which numerous riders love. We finally finished again going up the hill to some more logs and lovely galloping over the amazing good turf. The going after all the snow, ice and rain was fabulous.

 Every rider was happy and all then thoroughly enjoyed the lasagne and salad with choccy biscuits to follow. Thank you Andrew and Nikki

Nikki Ewart 

Yet again after a long cold week the clouds cleared and the Drag Hounds enjoyed a sunny and bright day at Rockley. A field of nearly 50 arrived, keen to have a fun day and weary of the unending wet freezing weather.   

The hounds, Andrew, Robin, John and Jeff were being stars for the day and were posing around the property for the Field Magazine. One huntsman got caught out with a photo shoot of this kind years ago and found himself in a centrefold of a men’s magazine - we are quite sure it won’t happen this time.Our new runner, Chris Rhodes was doing a grand job laying down the scent for the hounds and we certainly didn’t get a chance to catch him up as he was lightning quick.  The field set off at a great pace on the first line round the gallops steeple chase fences and over onto the Sangster land for a blast across perfect going to the end of the line with no mishaps and smiles all round.

 The 2^nd line started very well.  They had lots of uphill work and quite a long line with loads of jumping.  It was lovely to see Nicky.  She was in great form and even did some jumping.  The Badminton log caused a great spectacle and is the place to be for a photo opportunity.  The whole field came to a standstill while all of the brave and most of the kids flew over the log.

 The 3^rd line went very well with Andrew leading the field at a very good consistent pace even though his horse Stanley gets quite strong as he tires. Rachel King and Diana Wethered were all smiles and some who had never drag hunted said it was the best day ever. Turning for home the ground didn’t even show any sign of such a big field of horses having just blasted over it.

 Everyone enjoyed the day and once back at Rockley Manor relaxed in front of the fire with a big plate of lasagne.

Nikki Rickman