The dawning of a new season

Autumn hunting’s smaller fields provide the perfect chance to get close to hounds – if you can stand the early starts

- CAMILLA SWIFT

The sun rises over the stubble and the mist that clings to the valley below lifts like the curtain on opening night, such is the happy anticipation of that dedicated band who awake before dawn to stand covertside. Hounds wait in expectation for a sign from the huntsman, their huffs forming clouds as they ready to leave. Saddles creak, bits jostle, jackets strain (summer weight) and “Good mornings” are uttered in hushed tones. There is a reverence to these early mornings of companionship following hounds. Put quite simply, it is magic, even allowing for the four o’clock reveille.

Of course, once the alarm has sounded there is then the difficulty of locating the hunter in the dark (greys and early morning mists can cause havoc and guarantee arriving late). But finally you’re away. Perhaps not running, exactly – but off at a fine, sedate pace. Is it too early for a tot of gin?

The older hounds know what the early mornings are about; the new entry are about to find out. Now is the time when last year’s pups will learn from their older peers how to follow a trail, work as a pack and acclimatise themselves to the field and their horses – albeit a smaller field than during the main season.

EARLY STARTS