Meet Reports

Here are the our fabulous meet reports penned by member Katie Leigh (pictured on the left on Simon).

Ross’s Arms - 7th January 2012

“Build it and they will come”. Tom Lancaster repeated those words three times a day and twice before bed for a few days beforehand. The creation of a brand new line in previously unhunted territory can weigh heavy on the mind and Tom had much to think about.

Enthusiasm being his middle name, he braved devastating winds and terrible storms in the days previous to make a start on his vision. Astley Moss is vast and open, fields are generally used for crops and are unfenced, bordered mainly by ditches. Deep ones. Undeterred, this was going to be a day when anyone on horseback would be able to get round and enjoy their day without feeling over faced, Tom wanted to raise the profile of our Hunt in this area, so he aimed for straightforward gallops and all optional jumping.

Parking might have been a problem but Tom persuaded the Pit Museum to open their gates on Saturday afternoon and to give up their spacious yard to horse boxes and trailers. The tiny, former coal mining village of Astley had never seen anything like it when we brought the place to a temporary standstill as people arrived from near and far, many hacked and there was a stream of followers in cars and on foot, as people stood outside their houses in awe.

We hacked together westwards to give the many newcomers to hunting a chance to settle. Once we reached the land adjacent to the East Lancashire Road, we hunted a short leg to Higher Green.

We hacked past Mossbrook Arena and Hunted West on stubble, greeted by many optional obstacles. The hounds were on target, despite the occasional gusts. Hanging left, we checked at Allwood Farm and sampled their hospitality. The farmyard was crowded as foot followers fed and watered the mounted.

Ready to move off, we went East down a track at the front of the farm, swinging left to some imposing haylage bales. The brave leapt them at a gallop and took on some cross-country fences, which were wide enough to be easily jumped by several at a time. Heading deeper into the Moss, we were greeted by a double of ditches. Most tackled these without incident, though on the way back, one member had a very close encounter with one as his horse stumbled in front at the beginning of the third leg.

The final leg was the most eventful and started off with a gallop opposite Allwood Farm, slowing on a track to the left where we jumped into a paddock and out over a braced hedge. Few missed Tom Lancaster who hit the very muddy deck in great style and there is a video clip of this on the NECDH Facebook page for your enjoyment.

Finally all on board, we raced to the kill. No one escaped the mud and no one escaped the fun. There were some very tired ponies in the Astley area that night…

The Boars Head - Boxing Day 2011

Few missed this meet and with good reason. Indeed, it’s been a couple of seasons’ since we hunted it on horseback actually on Boxing Day. So many local people leave their homes in Higher Poynton, simply to soak up the atmosphere and stand around outside the Boars Head to take in the sight of our Hounds & Horses. Members Amy Bryan and Sami Bowler turned out side saddle, adding a dash of elegance to our classy, well turned out hunt members. We made the surrounding roads impassable as Master Alan stood up in his stirrups and invited every person there to follow us – on foot if necessary. Many locals did, following us past the Anson Museum and on toward Towers Farm.

Sit back as I explain… this may take some time.

Nick Plant made much of the first two legs courtesy of Jim Wainwright. Our own Stuart Allison was finally back in the saddle after too long nursing his hand operation. Not yet whipping in, he and TC might have fooled any observer that they hadn’t missed a meet all season as they took on every obstacle in their path. Not without incident, there were a couple of empty saddles at the second check. I glanced around and was relieved to see my brother still on board his new horse, smiling and accepting swigs of various concoctions as friends exchanged hunt flask contents.

The third leg necessitated a hack northwards and past the Bulls Head. At the bottom of Glastonbury Drive, this leg took us over some new land, rejoining our well used territory as we jumped off a track over a tidy tiger trap and away toward Mill Farm, checking by the road. The field caught up in dribs and drabs and a stream of foot followers in cars parked alongside us as we got our breath back.

It’s difficult to forget that our Boxing Day meet is on our shortest hunting day, and the light seemed to be fading fast by 3pm, yet there was so much to do. The fourth leg already prepared by Master Nick, it wasn’t long before we were again hunting, hounds in full cry and hot on his tail. A square hedge greeted the brave as we galloped toward the cattery and found ourselves again checking by the road, time being of the essence, there was a long way to go and so much more to do.

Finally, the last leg was prepared and we turned our thoughts to home. A monster hedge, well braced and jumped so often, seemed as imposing as ever yet was taken on without question by most members of the field. A very unlucky Amy Bryan took a spill here. Her horse was uninjured but unfortunately, Amy was going nowhere but the A & E department as we headed toward the kill, unaware of her predicament.

Dusk at least, almost dark by some standards, we hacked home. It felt like Christmas, it felt familiar.

The Hunt Kennels – 3rd December 2011

Howling wind, squally showers and bitter cold, probably the worst weather forecast this season deterred me. My brother (who isn’t made of sugar) was very keen to ride my mothers’ new horse, so we ascended the M67 and into Glossop.

The jam-packed yard at the Kennels made me feel instantly guilty at not being mounted. So many people take advantage of these intro meets and reduced cap, it was great to see it so very well supported. Huntsman Mark wanted to display hounds working and he led the field upwards. He was able to hunt the hounds through a valley below and the mounted field looked on with a birds eye view.

Typically, in these intro meets, there were two field Masters. Nick Plant took the jumpers and Peter Broadbent took the non-jumpers. It was a tough day whether you were jumping or not. Some good braced walls of different sizes satisfied the jumpers, there was plenty of hacking and some good runs over grassland.

Back at the kennels, a long queue formed for Marks home-made stew. We made lots of new friends, so many were fired-up with their first experience of hunting and looking forward to their next outing. The day had a lovely atmosphere which was evident until the moment we left (which wasn’t easy). Some creative juggling of vehicles eventually got the many trailers and boxes on their way home in the dark.

Springwood Park - 26th November 2011

80mph winds and showers were forecast and with a very dull, uninspiring morning I didn’t expect a good turnout, despite the popularity of this meet so was pleasantly surprised to see a very tidy number congregate in the pub in good time.

A comparatively new line only hunted 4 times so far, Chris Hague has spent much time developing this line which has grown each year as more Farmers are persuaded to allow us over their land.

The first leg took us West and many optional hedges and rails were offered to whet our appetites. We barely drew breath as we hunted over a minor road and swung right, finally checking by the Silk Road. A good rest was welcomed as we were joined by a couple of latecomers. Back to business, a very brief hack and we were hunting the second leg. Several prepared hedges jumped especially well, some particularly inviting gave the many members who brought young horses an opportunity to see the potential they were sat on.

Back to the Silk Road, we crossed over and hunted the third leg. And hunted, and hunted. It seemed a long way, some good gallops spread the field and there was little queuing at fences. Finally, tired horses jumped a good tiger trap and checked behind. Hip flasks were passed around, nostrils flared for while, we had much to chat about. Yet there was so much more to come, in particular the River Bollin as we jumped in onto a safe shale base and hunted away as though it was nothing.

Trappy country ahead, we took in ditches, banks and some gentle hills. The good going made these all the simpler and few were caught out. It is days like these when hunters are truly made and a good number of young horses learned much.

Finally at the kill, it felt quite late as we pulled our plaits out. That was a day and a half!

Bredbury Hall - 5th November 2011

A cool, bright day brought a good turnout to this convenient meet, being just a mile from the motorway network. We gathered in front of the Hall and were served plentiful stirrup cups of Sloe Gin, Mulled Wine and Port before hacking into the adjacent field for the first leg. We jumped a Tiger Trap and headed down into a valley, swinging right and hugging the river we cantered on toward the woods.

A good hack along the road and we were soon hunting again. Good grassland, wet in places but plenty to go at. It was Drag Hunting at its’ best and most precise, so well did the hounds work that we were able to hunt very close to main roads and make the best of this scenic, yet very urban area. People came out of houses to watch and photograph us as we checked in the corner of a field.

Soon away again, we swung right handed over a tidy drop fence to an imposing rail, checking by the main road. Traffic slowed to take in the sight of our Immaculate Huntsman and hounds, an obviously rare sight in such an area.

We headed East toward some farmland and looped left handed off a track. There was plenty straightforward jumping and some good gallops, two legs of it in fact. A hare got up and darted in front of the hounds, she was perfectly safe though as she dashed away avoiding horses. Master Nick, always good to go told me there was a lovely hedge to come. I detected a challenge in the air. As we neared the end of the leg, there it was. A neatly trimmed, very solid holly hedge, a big ‘un too. There was a slight delay whilst Master Nick picked himself up from the floor... Ahem.

Yes, it was a worthy challenge. It seemed a long way down on landing and we checked well behind to watch the rest jump. One rider jumped it without her horse. It was only when she stood up that I realised just how big it actually was. Back to the main road, we interpreted the Highway Code in a slightly different way as we got every member through the traffic lights and headed back toward Bredbury. A member was kicked on the road and Master Peter was summoned. She was escorted to a Livery Yard where Peter made arrangements for her to be checked in to Hospital.

The final leg took us back to the side of the hall. It was a day of fun, it was a day of drama, it was a day of camaraderie and it was a day when we demonstrated what Drag Hunting is all about.

The Bulls Head, Poynton - 29th October 2011

11am start and the car park was impressively full well before. Glastonbury Drive just around the corner sported a long stream of lorries too. It was a bright day and few would want to miss this meet, for very good reason.

We crossed the road and headed to Towers Farm for our first two legs, the first taking us East and looping right handed toward the park. This long established piece of our hunt territory is used whenever we go to Poynton, the jumping is exceptional and gets better with every meet as we improve, update and add to the collection of braced hedges and rails. Master Chris took the field and we followed at a determined pace. More to come after the first check as we headed South over an inviting hedge, hounds leading the way and closely followed by Mark who was on fine form. There was much to see as the Country opened up and we looped again toward the houses.

Back toward the pub, we gathered on a field opposite the lorries. This leg took us through a coppice, up a track and we jumped off the lane onto more grassland and headed toward the road. It was a good run, and all safely on, we crossed the road. The Hunt quad looked seriously overloaded as my mother joined other followers and they sped away, skirting sheep and dropping out of sight. I knew there was a hedge down there, my five year old felt like he could jump the moon so whatever was down there, we were taking it on. “Field Please”, we cantered ahead to a wide, square hedge aside an inviting post and rail. I straightened up and aimed at this magnificent hedge, it made my day.

Along the road, we hunted left of the bridge, looping right in a valley. Finally back at the road, we headed toward the pub, the last leg being one often talked about. The first jump is a strong hedge, well braced and levelled off on top. We leapt it and galloped ahead, more jumping and finally to the kill.

I wondered if this meet was advertised as Premium. Everything about it was fantastic, all levels were well catered for and it was obvious a lot of preparation had gone in beforehand. I checked the website. Normal. Bargain!

The Honeybee - 15th October 2011

One of my favourite meets I confess. The scenery, the going and the venue put this meet in my personal top ten and judging by the turnout, I wasn't alone as the surrounding lay by's filled with lorries.

Jake & Ben Paterson, Karen & Chris Hague and fence man Mark spent a lot of time working on the line a few days before, improving and adding to the fences and working with the farmers and land owners to get a fantastic day together.

A good hack toward Mobberley village and we were blistering around Roy and Norma Barkers cross country course for a long and testing leg. The hounds were flying with precision and spoke well. The field was split as sheep crossed our path and we held up until they were safely out of the way. Lots of excited chatter at the check, everyone had a tale to tell and the flasks were passed round, we needed fortification for what was to come.

We crossed the road and watched Jake Paterson and Karen Hague disappear with the scent. Soon in pursuit, we looped around yet more good going on grass. The ground was remarkable considering the previous weeks almost daily heavy rain. A gaping ditch caught many by surprise, it was deep too. Yes, several got a very good look at it, but all on, we raced to the check.

A walk up the road and we were soon hunting the next leg. This took us right handed through a small coppice just before a stream. Several edged the bank looking for the best place to cross whilst others already across encouraged those remaining. We raced toward Radivens where we are always warmly welcomed, we were more than ready for a good rest and catch up with our friends. Mulled wine, sandwiches and cake went down very well as we were served by our hosts by Alex and Colin Radivan . I think we’ll come here again. The day was made extra special as we helped our hosts raise some much needed funds for the East Cheshire Hospice. Members donated generously into Jake Patersons rather sweaty hat and £160 was collected in the field.

The final two legs took us back home over grass. Still more hedges, still more fun. Smiling faces, tired horses, hounds starting to unwind as Mark blew for home. Yes, it had been a fantastic day and quite an adventure...

The Unicorn - 8th October 2011

Drama, excitement & fun, we had it all in abundance at this established and popular line.

The drizzle deterred few from attending and with a field of around 40 members and guests, we hacked toward the Deanwater for two good legs to kick start the day. The ample and varied jumping here gave everyone a chance to test themselves and their horses on very good going and with temperatures cooler than of late, it felt so much more like it should. Hedges were plentiful and of all shapes and sizes.

We were fed on Karens’ home made fruit cake and port at the second check, which went down very well with everyone and set us up for the rest of the day.

Back up the road toward Wilmslow, we were soon hunting the next leg with again, a lot of hedges to go at. We crossed the river Bollin and headed toward Adlington. After crossing Mill Lane together, we had a lively gallop on some good going and one from the check was a neatly trimmed, braced hedge which jumped very well. We made the most of Sarah Whitehead & Liz Jacksons good going as we raced over grass. Member Tom Lancaster took a spill when he took his own line at a hedge which was misjudged as it had a cross-country jump behind it.

With no damage done, the final leg took us back toward Wilmslow where we finished opposite the Deanwater and were rejoined by our friends on foot. The hounds were precise and spoke particularly tunefully throughout the day, giving foot followers advance warning of our whereabouts which helped them follow us all day.

The Greyhound – 1st October 2011

The weatherman hinted at the hottest October day since records began and with a preceeding very hot and dry week, this meet was looking iffy for all the wrong reasons. Mud, rain, bitter cold, frost – we can handle all that, but 27+degrees in our wool hunt coats presented us with an unusual problem. Linesmen Jake & Ben Paterson spent 4 hours fencing the first leg in intense heat the day before, doing all they could to keep the jumping on the softest ground they could find.

Many braved the sun and the car park and lane opposite the pub soon filled with lorries and trailers. Several guests, including some new friends joined us for a memorable day.

The first leg was challenging in the heat, but a gentle breeze helped us along. Fences were abundant and we skirted around a pond and jumped a water trough before coming to the first check. The many red faces told me I wasn’t the only one suffering in the heat but we took shade under the trees as our horses recovered.

We visited Mike Crooks fields which run parallel with the M56 and enjoyed his long grass, the hounds worked well in the heat and spoke tunefully against the noise of the motorway traffic. A short leg, but well planned considering the unusual conditions. We hacked past Heather Warburtons at a steady pace to save our horses & hounds as the temperature rose further.

Jake & Ben told me it was a big hedge day for those who wanted it and as we approached Jane Quicks, I suspected some action and most certainly wasn’t wrong. Indeed, my brother, a newcomer to riding, took his first spill at a drop hedge. Ah yes, he has much to learn, especially the meaning of the common hunting phrase “sit back!”

Soon after, there was a noticeable drop in the temperature, much to the relief of every human and animal and the final two legs took us around the back of Herbie Hopes toward Stock Farm and home, taking in some established legs.

The Davenport Arms – 17 September 2011

I only tell the truth in my meet reports, I like them to accurately flavour the days hunting and this memorable day wouldn’t be at all accurate if I didn’t mention the wet weather.

Very wet weather.

The previous day, some of our fields at home were flooded by the deluges which came frequently throughout the day. The Davenport being less than 20 miles away, I expected something similar there. No chance of me taking a rain-check as I was on scent with Karen Hague, so I was more than a little pleasantly surprised when we drove straight onto the field at Dean Valley. The sandy soil hadn’t noticed the rain and those already mounted when I arrived were clean and dry.

Within the short hack to the pub, dark clouds appeared and the heavens opened. Most of the mounted field was caught out as foot followers ran for cover. As we scented the first leg, the grip was good on the grass and we continued behind the pub heading right up to the Community Centre in Woodford Village. The hounds spoke particularly well and followed the scent with remarkable accuracy, the field was large and they reached the check in small groups. All smiling and excitedly chatting about their eventful first leg.

The second leg took us in the direction of Adlington, again on grass and the hounds were spot on. I watched them advancing and they spoke fantastically well. I was aware of a few empty saddles and the Tumble Club was looking good for business.

We checked at Florence Farm where refreshments were served. The field had been split and it took a while for everyone to catch up. More cake for me! And I needed it, there was much to do, places to go and scent to lay. We doubled back and made our way to Dean Valley.

The final two legs offered so much. Tiger Traps, drops, hedges, banks and with many different options we were able to pick and choose as we fancied. Chris Hague gave a fabulous leads over the most testing hedges and the brave ones got close behind him.

Foot followers gave us a round of applause as we walked away from the kill. There had been much for them to see and it had been appreciated. We made our way to the lorries, clean and dryer than when we started. And that was appreciated too.

The Chapel House Inn – 10 September 2011

Fresh from their holiday in Las Vegas, Jake & Ben Paterson hedged their bets on this popular line being straightforward to prepare and came up with the Jackpot. With literally hours to organise the day and some new land added, the gamble paid off. They knew nothing of the severe rain we all had during the week prior to this meet but the light breeze and sunshine the day before ensured the going was perfect.

The first leg took us away from the pub and under the railway bridge. We carefully hunted the edge of some reseeded ground to take us to a variety of new post and rail fences. There was much jumping and several drop fences with some good gallops over stubble fields. This was a long and eventful leg which split the field as Master Alan joined the Tumble Club. A long check to revive some very tired horses and we were cashing our chips again as we headed to our more familiar haunts and took in more of this scenic line.

With so much to go at, we were on a winning streak as the second and third legs took us around the beautiful Mobberley Countryside in the best possible way. A hack past the Greyhound and we were on Heather Warburtons to make the most of yet more stubble and ample jumping. Huntsman Mark took a rare Roulette-style fall here. Thankfully, he was able to continue and a long check at the end of the fifth leg gave him chance to get his breath back. Of course it’s only manners when in this area to make the most of Herbie Hopes hedges and with fantastic going, smartly trimmed Hawthorn and inviting post and rails, this line more than lived up to it’s Premium title.

The Plough Inn, Croft - 3 September 2011

Our opening meet had originally been brought forward to make the best of the stubble fields which are traditionally ploughed early here but some rain at the end of August and farmers being unusually busy with other things made the preparation of this line an ever changing task.

Joe Murphy field mastered and I was ably joined by Karen Hague on scent. This was a memorable day for many reasons, not least as we now have 4 Masters, the first time in the history of the NECDH and they looked spectacular in Scarlet. There was a good sized field of fantastic company which included several new joiners and some more familiar faces as well as seasoned guests.

A slight threat of rain as we scented the first leg made no impression whatsoever. The stubble was vast and the field made good use of it, skirting some woodland and safely taking the post and rails. As we headed to Johnsons Farm for the second leg, we were greeted by a good number of foot followers, all poised with cameras. Many post and rail fences were offered as we swung right to a prepared hedge. The hounds hunted well over grass and quickly found us at the end of the leg.

Even at this stage, changes were apparent and a few adjustments to our previous planned route kept the day flowing. We literally had to think on our feet but we had lots to go at, and took on many prepared hedges and good gallops.

As we hunted adjacent to the M6 motorway, hounds once again got their heads down and went well on the grass. One of our farmers has a shady meadow split by a deep but narrow ditch which slowed the field slightly but all was well as we checked by the quarry. The remainder of the day was short sprints taking us around the back of the Plough Inn to the kill.

I was proud of my brother who hunted his first day, I was proud of my horse who took me safely round on scent and I was proud to be part of the start of what I predict to be an amazing season.