Tor, Mum and I were invited to a day’s hunting with North Cotswold by the master Mr Mark Russell, who was also hosting the meet at his farm in Wormington, near Broadway.
It was a bright sunny day following several days of heavy rain. A more relaxed start to the hunting day as the meet was not until 11.45am so more time in bed!
We parked at Mr Russell’s one farm and hack down village to meet at his other farm. We are met at the farm gate by hunt secretary who welcomed us.
The meet was very social and we were made to feel most welcome. A good supply of sausage and roast potatoes filled us up, then a lady with a box of sweets so we filled our pockets. Stan said "we should have these at Ledbury meets"!
Nikki took us over to introduce ourselves to the master and huntsman Nigel Peel MFH. He wished us a good days hunting and was very glad we had made the journey.
We were off, no masters speech.
We had a long trot into the first field, whilst hounds draw the first cover which was a wood on the brook and edge of Wormington Grange estate.
Here we go.
The fields first obstacle was a very tall set of rails, with a bottomless take off and landing, we both watch the first jump, man number 4 turns turtle and brings down man number five we seek the advice of north Cotswold pony club kids on direction gate. The North Cotswold have gate shutters here wearing white arm bands so you don’t have to get left behind.
Then onto a set of tyres, and a long gallop down to another set of rails, hounds still drawing in the wood whilst we circled it.
Blank again.
We continued round the wood and the set of rails and onto the first hedge into a lane, followed by Nikki, and Stan. We had a spell on the road before re-entering the bottomless ground.
Finally the hounds found and ran back towards Cheltenham Road and away from the Wormington Grange estate and towards a series of hedges known as the Sharpleys. Fallers everywhere.
We jumped a double rails only to be told we were in the wrong place, so back we went.
Re-united with the field again we hunted on until at a good hedge Stan didn’t realise it had a drop on other side!!! Stan opened his mouth with excitement or fear and stabbed his hunting crop in and bit his lip. Tor said he was brilliant as a swear word followed by "Mum" with a mouth full of blood. He then had his mouth stuffed full of a handkerchief to sort the bleeding out or stop him swearing !!!
Over the road and along the steam engine railway line, now we were excited heading towards the Stanton Estate and old turf. Hounds are running on we go more hunt jumps, Stan commented on the few red coats on the floor. A lady kindly stands in front of a flooded cattle grid to stop us galloping over it
But now hounds crossed again back to the Grange.
We were back at the Grange having done a full circle, we begin to recognise were we are, Stan’s hedge is approaching again but from other direction no way its huge this way round!! gate. Master stops in field not sure which way he should be going so he decides to jump Stan’s hedge again so for good measure The Ledbury 3 jump it again this time I’m ready for the drop and keep my mouth closed.
Tory’s pony went lame trotting down a Cotswold stone covered lane, the blood staining the yellow stones, a cut frog. it was time for home and call Dad for directions as we had no idea which way the boxes were. In fact they were a short hack away.
Three very dirty ponies good experience, and an invite for later in February to finish are day!!!
See the Gallery for pictures.
