


We arrived a little early so got to witness the gathering of the community as well as the riders. The Hunt traditionally held their opening meet in front of the Crown and Plough in the village center. For the first time, they had to break tradition due to increased car traffic through the village so met in a small field in front of the village hall. It was a much more suitable location in some ways. As you can see in the picture, there was quite a big turn out of people just to witness the meet. People brought their kids and dogs. There were "Meet Hosts," families from the village who's job it was to bring refreshments. So suddenly there were people wandering by with baskets full of sausage rolls, small pizzas, and lots of other goodies that I couldn't quite see. Port was offered round to riders and spectators alike and was much appreciated as the cool wet breeze picked up. I would guess there may have been as many as 200 people there just as spectators. The mounted field was down a little according to some so that meant there were approximately 75-80 riders out for the day's hunt. Still that's easily three or four times the size of Traders Point Hunt.
The field also included some very adorable new riders. One little girl was amazing. She was two years old and this was her first time out! She put her head down just as I took a picture but trust me, she had rosy cheeks and blue eyes. She was so cute in her hunting kit too...she was the hit of the Meet. I think there were probably at least six or seven kids under ten riding this day including the picture above with the young boy on his horse next to the Master.
I love the picture below. It was a lovely line of the Field sipping their port and chatting away about the day's ride. I really want to know how the woman in the middle of the picture managed to get her horse so white! I can't imagine Bristol ever looking quite that good but I guess I have a goal to achieve now!
I love the picture below. It was a lovely line of the Field sipping their port and chatting away about the day's ride. I really want to know how the woman in the middle of the picture managed to get her horse so white! I can't imagine Bristol ever looking quite that good but I guess I have a goal to achieve now!



Another incredible day in an incredible land....I wish that I was there for thisd.
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