IT’S difficult to get to speak to 77-year-old David Jones, because he’s just too busy hunting.
“I try to get out four days a week if I can,” he explains, while driving back from the College Valley and North Northumberland’s last day of the season.
Brought up in Merthyr Tydfil, the son of a plumber, David’s hunting gene is a mystery.
“Where it came from, I don’t know,” he says.
As soon as he could drive, David hardly missed a day and then set up his own pack, the Taf Fechan, in the middle of Merthyr.
“We fed them on food waste from the canteen at the Hoover factory,” he remembers, “and met at the town hall in the centre of Merthyr on Boxing Day. I hunted them for six seasons.”
His pack eventually amalgamated with the Ystrad to become the Ystrad Taf Fechan.
This story is from the March 19, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 19, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all
The new partnerships with British Dressage will provide opportunities for riders with intellectual disabilities
Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage
A leading judge has made some recommendations he believes will help support the sport's future
Aidan Coleman
Just a week after he announced his enforced retirement with a career-ending injury, Aidan Coleman talks through his raw emotions with Kate Johnson as he ponders life outside the weighing room
Badminton groundsman
Phil Cole on flawless going for cross-country, perfecting his craft on polo pitches and being at the mercy of the weather
Pulling power
Carriage-driving horses have a very specific job, and with that can come specific injury risks. Rosie Mould MRCVS explains
'Plenty to get your teeth into'
This year's Badminton track is testing, but fair, says Nicola Wilson, the 2021 European champion who finished in the top 10 at this five-star four times
Townend leads British domination
The world number one spearheads a British clean sweep of the podium as he contests his 100th five-star
Birch is back in the big time
A former Olympic reserve rider scores her first international win in four years, while Kelsall specialists make their mark again
Comeback queens reign
Rehab work pays off for Anna Ross as she makes a winning return, while a pair of young riders' birthday wishes come true
Pender keeps it in the family
Ireland's Mikey Pender begins a remarkable grand prix winning double and it all comes together in the ring for a \"special character\"