THE reporters’ curse befell yet again. This time: dense fog. A thick layer of moisture carpeted Exmoor and there wasn’t a wisp of a breeze to disperse the cloud hovering just above the field at Five Cross Ways near Dulverton.
As was the case elsewhere on Exmoor, the Dulverton Farmers’ meet was fairly protracted in the hope conditions would improve. It didn’t take long to appreciate this hunt is in tremendous fettle. The backdrop of relentless banter was a sure sign there was a strong relationship between foot followers and riders.
Port and whisky were in abundant supply. Hot pasties, cheese, and ham sausage rolls, as well as roast potatoes, went a long way towards fending off the insidious damp. Only hunting folk can produce piping-hot food for more than 30 riders and a swarm of foot-followers in a field in the middle of nowhere. Hosts Steve Hyde and his partner Louise Barnett are to be congratulated.
TEAMWORK IS KEY
THE vibrancy buoying up this corner of Exmoor is founded on an exceptional team. Continuity at the helm is also fundamental. The core of its success is Bones (Anthony Allibone). I am happy to stand corrected, but with 27 seasons of hunting these hounds under his belt, he must be the longest-standing huntsman currently hunting hounds.
Bones’ wife Sue is also at the heart of the matter. Her kitchen is the hub where hot meals appear for the never-ending flow of helpers and supporters as plans are hatched, problems solved and hunts relived, aided by a whisky or cup of tea.
Banger Milton has been in the mastership since 2008. She and Bones benefit from an exceptionally sound professional relationship. Beneath their obvious strong friendship and mutual respect is a solid foundation that enables them to enjoy their hunting — the latter often sacrificed as soon as the title MFH is bestowed.
This story is from the February 06, 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 February 06, 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\"