Changing Of The Guard Talk turns to the political landscape and the future of trailhunting at the hound shows

Talk turns to the political landscape and the future of trailhunting at the hound shows - but despite worries the promise of youth brings a boost to the community,

- By Tessa Waugh -Picture by Verity Johnson Photography

Some hunting people profess to hate showing and are bored stiff by the sight of hounds in a show ring. Others enjoy the unchanging spectacle of liveried hunt staff and fine examples of hound life displayed for all to see.

For the keen observer of human nature there is copious material in the characterful and intent faces of the huntsman – some young and fresh to the game, others gnarled and worldly. Common to all is the intense play of attention between human and hound.

I have struggled in the past to see why one hound should be considered better than another. The basics of movement and conformation have eluded me no matter how many times they have been explained.