The Wright stuff

A handful of hardy riders brave the weather to watch the Exmoor hounds at work, hunted brilliantly by Tony Wright

- REBECCA JORDAN

HOUNDS bounded down the hunt lorry ramp and, without preamble, flowed through the open gate on to the moor at Brendon Two Gates.

Heads down, they set to work methodically drawing away from us. Their huntsman, Tony Wright, quietly rode beside them. Unbound by occasion, these hounds are granted the luxury of all the time in the world to do themselves justice.

There was no whipper-in, just a handful of very hardy riders wrapped up against gale-force winds and forecasted heavy showers. A brave rainbow shimmered on the horizon and within its silhouette deceit of golden plover lifted ahead of hounds, swirling as though it was a still summer’s day despite the wind taking away our breath. We crossed the road to Holcombe Burrows where this end of the coombe kept out the wind so seemed eerily silent. At last, a chance to catch up with the subscribers. Nearly all were former masters.

Mark Sprake, Old Surrey, and Burstow ex-master spoke effusively about sport. Simon Richards, a vet, and his wife Pauline relinquished the helm of the thrusting Warwickshire country for the vagaries of Exmoor just last season. Pauline was away for the Dulverton West’s opening meet but former MFH Simon was more than happy in quieter company.

Charmian Green, fellow ex-Warwickshire master, follows in her car. She held office with the Exmoor from 1989 to 1990, which was sandwiched between her exemplary mastership at the Warwickshire from 1981 to 1989 and 1990 to 2018.

Felicita Busby is another lady not easily swayed in her principles or etiquette on the hunting field. Both are protégées of Capt Ronnie Wallace – well known for singling out and fostering those he felt were destined to keep foxhunting on the true path.