New take on the traditional hunt attracts crowds as season gets off to great start
Dozens of riders, accompanied by packs of barking hounds, took to their horses for the start of the hunting season.
Organisers of Holderness Hunt say it is going from strength to strength.
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The start of the Holderness hunt at Rise Park near Skirlaugh.
At the opening meet on Saturday more than 300 people joined the 100 or so riders on foot at Rise Park, near Skirlaugh.
Although hunting foxes with hounds is now illegal, riders can still take their horses and hounds out during the winter months.
William Bethell, senior master of the event, said: "We had a very good day. The weather was fantastic and there was fantastic support.
"It seems to be going from strength to strength, with a lot of young people attending this year.
"The hunt is part and parcel of the countryside and around here it has been in operation since the mid 1700s."
The controversial ban on hunting with dogs was introduced in February 2005.
The legislation stops hunts setting out with hounds to deliberately kill a fox.
Many hunts get around the ban by following a synthetic trail instead.
Mr Bethell has been a master for nearly 20 years, carrying on from his father who was involved for 40 years.
He said: "The event brings a bit of enjoyment to peoples' lives. We wouldn't be able to hold the event without the support of the farmers and landowners, 90 per cent of whom are supportive.
"We are very grateful."
This year, visitors were being urged to attend the event to make up their own minds about hunting.
It was part of a national campaign by The Country Alliance to get newcomers to hunts.
Among those visiting the meet for the first time were Julie and Simon Frost who took along three-year-old daughter Ella.
Mrs Frost, of Long Riston, said: "We moved to the area two-weeks ago and decided to have a look to meet new people.
"I have horses myself and have attended meets in Essex.
"This was a lot bigger. It appeared to be very well organised and everyone was very inviting and friendly.
"These event bring people together and I would like to participate in the future.
"She seemed to really enjoy it and kept wanting to look at the hounds."
15 Comments
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by Sam, North Hull
Monday, November 01 2010, 6:37PM
“Well there is a horse up on bricks with its legs missing on Hall Road.”
by Billy, Hull
Monday, November 01 2010, 6:13PM
“Sam I hear there are now more horses then pertol propelled vehicles on North Hull as horses are now the must have Item of families in that area to ensure ones credibility as a North Hullite”
by john, burton agnes
Monday, November 01 2010, 6:04PM
“for my pennies worth...
let them hunt ............then we commoners can hunt with our dogs ! !”
by Sam, Hull
Monday, November 01 2010, 5:47PM
“I really must protest at the idea of horses should take part in hunts on Bransholme and OPE.
Surely mini-bikes, stripped-down stolen scooters and chavved up Novas with exhausts that write cheques the engine can't cash would be more appropriate.”
by George, Hull
Monday, November 01 2010, 4:53PM
“Billy LOL”
by Billy, Hull
Monday, November 01 2010, 4:24PM
“George I think that is an excellant idea move the boxing day hunt from the Westwood to OPE and North Hull, mind no doubt the residents will nick the horses for there front gardens lol.”
by George, Hull
Monday, November 01 2010, 3:06PM
“Lets hunt these people round orchard park or bransholme not that would be good sport.”
by Dianne, work
Monday, November 01 2010, 1:41PM
“Hunting with hounds is banned Normal folk and noodle. keep up luvvies.”
by Fantastic Voyager, Unspeakable, in pursuit of, The Uneatable.
Monday, November 01 2010, 1:23PM
“Why is it that when hunting was not illegal, the police spared virtually no resource - helicopters, road blocks, vanloads of officers deployed in the fields, people arrested, video surveillence etc., etc. - to keep tabs on hunt opponents, yet now hunting with dogs is illegal, and they can stop & search hunt vehicles for evidence they are nowhere to be seen? What other "mid 1700's" traditions does the Master of the Hunt uphold? Infant chimney sweeps? Anaesthetic-free amputations?”
by Sam, Hull
Monday, November 01 2010, 1:07PM
“I was interpreting the article to mean this was a drag hunt. Was that not the case?”