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Meet Reports

By Nikki Lancaster

Field Master for the

East Anglian Bloodhounds

2006 / 2007  SEASON

For those who don't already know me, let me introduce myself I am Nikki Lancaster and my horse is Mabelle, she is 17`2"hh chestnut IDX thoroughbred, a seasoned hunter from Ireland and a perfect field master horse!!! 

My partner Alan Reason rides O`Malley a 16hh dark bay Irish cob. Last season was O'Malley's first season hunting and I have to say he is settling in well to his job. As most of you know Alan was Master of foxhounds with the Essex & Suffolk hunt for a few years and is one of the founder members of the E.A.B.H. 

I should mention that I am an amputee, at first I was rather nervous, however everyone was so kind and helpful I started to relax and really enjoy the sport. For the first few seasons I had my "Old" leg which tended to slip and twist so at the end of each run I would jump off and find a hiding place to put my leg back on properly! Now I have a great "New" leg and can hunt all afternoon without having to get off. 

O' Malley and Mabelle

As most of you know Mabelle has been out of action for most of this season. It has transpired that she has developed a serious heart condition, along with other problems. Mabelle was a fantastic hunter not only did she look the part but she oozed class and was very proud of her up front position, I do not know how much longer she will be with us but at the moment she is enjoying being a retired old lady in the paddocks at home, she bought me so much and will never be forgotten, What a Girl !!!

O'Malley has had to step into the very large shoes of Mabelle, not only has he been up to the challenge but he has blossomed into a truly magnificent gentleman. Three years ago I bought him from Richard, who coincidently is also a right leg amputee. So O'Malley has always been used to our slightly unorthodox riding styles. He had never been hunted before and his first season had him galloping alongside Master Roger with me apologising profusely and praying for him to stop. By the next season he had learnt a few more manners and really enjoyed his hunting Alan rode him mostly for this season and O'Malley looked after him splendidly.

I will never forget the time when Alan unfortunately overbalanced and fell out of the side door whilst negotiating a jump, O'Malley totally unaware carried on only to draw to a halt look up, realise his rider was no longer aboard and promptly turned and cantered back to find Alan. Nicky then started hunting O'Malley whilst I hunted Mabelle. He looked after her in his normal flamboyant style. It was only when Mabelle was unable to hunt anymore when I started to hunt him again. What a transformation!!! He no longer pulled the reins from my hands, he had developed good manners and respect and adored the hounds and was quite happy to have them all around his legs. At first I was unsure that he would be able to live up to Mabelle, a legend in my mind, he has not only lived up to Mabelle but he has bought his own style to the hunting field. He loves what he does, has learnt so much and tried his absolute best in truth my little fat cob has turned into a star. He is not Mabelle he is O'Malley and he is very proud of what he does and so am I.

Clarks Farm – 4th November 

Sunday started warm but chilled later on. A field of 30 enjoyed fab hunting, crossing all sorts of going and hounds hunted extremely well considering the mild weather, esp on the last run where the temperature dramatically dropped and the hounds flew!!!! We really had to kick on to keep up. 

Poor Toni took a spill when her horse found a hole, O’Malley slipped over but managed to catch me and get up again with barely a pause!!! All unhurt!!!! 

Soup, tea and cakes from Ann, fabulous days hunting. Next week Dennington Hall

 Nikki

 Opening Meet – Queen Head, Layham – 28th October

 Well afgter all of the uncertainty with Foot and Mouth and Bluetongue the Opening Meet is going ahead !!!! But what a horrid day weather wise!!!! The rain however did not dampen our spirits, especially aided by hip flasks!! As horses have not been able to do much galloping we started steadily. Fiona was on foot after her knee op and Holly was whipping in. Jake was out on Brownie and Brownie was fab considering she has been off all summer until Roger and PRD fixed her!!! Lots of regular faces, Nik, Caroline, Tracey and Graham, Chris and Natalie, Liz and many others including Dave out on his horse Meg.

 We enjoyed four fab hunts with hounds running superbly with enough checks for the horses to steady and get their breathe back!! There was plenty of jumping for the brave / foolish!! A couple of fairly hairy hedges!!!

Minnie hunted fabulously and had her nose down, she was awarded “Hound of the Day” 

Back to the pub for soup afterwards, Great to be back hunting!!

 Next week Clarks Farm, see you there.

Nikki

Opening Meet Supper Friday 26th October

 Many thanks to Toni for organising a feast for the opening meet supper, food, hall and company were all fab. Ann made the gorgeous desserts, very yummy!!! 

Thanks also to Philip Ryder-Davies for his informative as well as amusing talk on being a zoo vet.

 Thanks to Toni & Gang for all of your hard work 

 Le Mote Farm – 3rd September 

A lovely sunny day with a field of 40 plus, nice to see so many children, we enjoyed a hack to Pebmarsh Country Show where spectators were able to come and pet hounds. On the way there we went through water and Dizzy decided to go exploring and got lost, it was not until we got to the show that we noticed she was missing, fortuneately she was found on her way back to the boxes!!!

 We enjoyed a fab hunt to finish, the hounds flew and we had to kick on to keep up!!!

 Tea and cakes at Ann’s afterwards, lovely!

 Normans Farm 26th August

 A lovely warm day, all in shirt sleeves and waistcoats, enjoyed lovely hacking with a field of roughly 40, enjoying tracks and plenty of stubble!! We enjoyed a good hunt at the end with a good canter across grass and stubble. The new entry of hounds were extremely well behaved, Dizzy thought it would be good to hide by one of the trucks so Holly had to get off to lead her back!!!!

 Tea afterwards, a fab day

Childrens Meet - Dedham - 7th April 2007

The Children’s meet was held in the glorious Dedham Vale on Easter Saturday in such hot weather that it was hard to believe it was still only early April, and not halfway through the summer.  It was great to see so many children out, keen to learn more about hunting with bloodhounds, and many thanks to the Moorehouse and Nicholls families for letting us hunt over their wonderful grassland.  Master Roger started with a quick talk to outline the day, and to cover some of the differences we could expect to see, compared to hunting with foxhounds or harriers.  As the weather was so warm and dry, he warned everyone that scenting conditions would be difficult, and as we were hunting a fairly restricted area with potentially a lot of walkers on the various footpaths, he had decided to break up the lines with some additional hacking.  Having addressed the field, the hounds then came off the lorry, and we took a steady hack down to the start of the first line.  Despite the dry conditions, the hounds immediately picked up the line of our first quarry, and we enjoyed a sharp gallop across some meadows to find Lewis hiding in a hollow in the ground.

We then rode quietly to the next line which took us through some woods, into more meadows just below the main Ipswich – London railway line.  To hunt so close to such a hazard shows the level of trust the masters have in their hounds’ obedience and training who did not waiver from the trail.  This line finished almost at Manningtree station, and very close to the park owned by the Nicholls family.  We did not hunt in the park, but we did have a whale of a time jumping the various cross country fences that were available, as Fiona and Shadow showed everyone how to do it, especially over the very narrow logs at the top of the field.  I have to confess that Crabby was a little wiley and snuck out to the side just as she was taking off.  Fortunately, this was the only place where we saw an empty saddle – and it was from one of our most experienced followers!  Poor Georgie was unshipped at the very first log when her horse was knocked sideways by another member of the field.  Luckily, no harm was done, other than to pride, and she remounted to enjoy the rest of the day. 

We stopped for some very welcome refreshments before leaving the park over some more of the jumps.  We then picked up the line for our 3^rd run of the day which ran back through the woods and out into the arable land close to where we had parked.  Problems occurred as we were going along the track at the bottom of the wood as a few hounds got stuck the wrong side of some fencing, and needed rescuing. As I was left holding Pirate whilst Graham assisted a hound that had been injured in the melee, the field was delayed and ended up taking a slightly long and scenic route to join up with Master Roger.  Further confusion occurred when our quarry turned out to be an innocent passer by who was metal detecting but who had strayed onto the same line!  However, the hounds were soon back on track and crossed over the road into some set aside which afforded a good gallop to sweep round to where our real quarry was hiding. 

We finished off with one more hack along the fields of our first line, but instead of it being peaceful (most people had slackened off girths etc by this point), the hounds picked up the scent from the original line, and took off at a smart pace.  There was some frantic ravelling in of reins as horses picked up speed in response, and the field enjoyed one final spin back to where we started.  Unbelievably, this turned out to be the last meet of the season (where did the winter go?), as the following week was cancelled, but I for one can’t wait for the start of next season where I hope to see again all the many new friends I’ve made.

Somerleyton Hall - 11th March 2007

At last, after losing both Dynes Hall and Newton Farm, Orford when the recent downpours left both venues waterlogged, hunting was finally able to resume, this time at the truly magnificent setting of Somerleyton Hall, by kind permission of The Honourable Hugh Crossley and family.  Having missed last year’s meet due to horse injuries, and being told by those who went that this is one of the meets of the season, especially for fast and furious jumping, I couldn’t wait for the day to arrive.  After the miserable weather of the previous two weekends, this time, we were treated to a beautiful spring day.  About 25 riders unboxed close by, and then hacked through the park with the Masters and hounds to find the hall basking in the unseasonally warm weather where we were treated to the Crossley’s generous hospitality whilst admiring our surroundings. 

The first line took us through the park, and not only were the horses and riders all delighted at the return to hunting, but hounds clearly were as well, and took off at a tremendous pace across the wonderful old turf, going past the remaining few fences from the British Eventing days.  Fortunately, we didn’t jump any of these, as my brakes definitely needed some re-lining at this early stage!  Having found our quarry, we had a quick stop to catch our breath before leaving the park and going out onto the surrounding estate.  Although it was a shame to leave the grass behind, we still had some lovely tracks to gallop along, some of which went through woods full of daffodils bursting into life.  With the occasional bit of off-roading between tracks and fields as our quarry kept us guessing, and the hounds working, we finished our second line before the serious jumping began.  Edward (the estate manager) did an absolutely fantastic job of preparing hedges and rails with heights to suit everyone, plus escape routes at all fences so everyone could enjoy the day to the max.  A couple of small fences to warm us up then led down a steepish hill to a hedge with a fairly big drop behind.  I was thankful to have been warned about this as it was definitely a sit well back jump.  After a sharp turn, the line ran down to some not insignificant rails where the field was very nearly treated to the sight of their fieldmaster on the ground, after I planted my horse far too deep in the bottom.  I’m so lucky that I ride not only a genuine horse who keeps going, but one who also stays upright even under the most challenging conditions!  We then had a nice line round the remaining fences, but by now it was becoming very apparent that the warm day was playing havoc with scent and the hounds were really having to work hard, resulting in a lot of checks.  The fourth line took us away from the jumps, and back towards the woods, but by this time, scent was almost non-existent, even in areas such as woods where it might normally linger.  The reason why became obvious whilst riding along the edge of a ploughed field where hounds were working, and we could see dust flying up from their paws as they moved along.  Clearly, the light land was drying out rapidly, and taking the scent of the quarry with it.

With the poor hunting conditions in mind, we didn’t hang around much before starting the fifth line which ultimately took us back into the park.  As soon we got back onto the old turf which retains more moisture, the hounds were away again at the rate of knots, and we were able to finish the day on a screaming run back past the hall, to find our quarry hiding in a dip in the land.  All told, it was a fabulous day with something for all, and we are unbelievably lucky to be allowed to ride the Somerleyton Estate.  Many thanks to the Crossley family for inviting us, and to Edward for doing such a sterling job with the fences.  I’m sure those who were competing at Poplar Park must have had some regrets at not joining us, but it was great to see how many of our regular followers posted excellent results, especially Christine (7^th) and Paula and Holly who both won their respective sections.  Clearly, it’s hunting with the EABH that does it!  A final mention goes to another regular with the Bloodhounds, young Lilia who was 6 the next day – happy birthday!

Tendring Hall - 18th February 2007

The East Anglian Bloodhounds returned to the Stoke by Nayland area for the second time in a month when we met at the beautiful venue of Tendring Hall.  As O’Malley is still returning to full fitness, Crabby and I stood in again for Nikki Lancaster as Field Master.  A number of us met at Weylands Farm and hacked with the Masters and hounds to the meet, where we joined the rest of the field to enjoy the generous hospitality of the Holden family.  A quick trot in single file down a steep track saw us burst out into some wonderful parkland where we were able to spread out and let the horses gallop on.  Unfortunately, our carefree moment was abruptly ended when poor Martin was deposited as his horse spooked unexpectedly at the sight of our faithful photographer Matt.  Martin’s horse then made a bid for freedom until caught by Fiona.  Once we were able to continue on our way, we had to hurriedly catch up the Master as the hounds were on good form, and there was a serious danger we would get left behind.  Having crossed over grass onto stubble at the bottom of the valley, the more adventurous were treated to a ditch with a quick escape route for those who prefer to keep all four hooves on the ground.  We then swung back round and up the valley to enter woodland where the hounds kept trying to return to the top of the hill.  Mindful of the problems at Euston, the Master and whips repeatedly moved the hounds down to lower ground, only to subsequently find our quarry at the top, so hounds were right all along.

We then hacked out of the park and crossed the road onto open meadows for our second line.  This not only afforded some wonderful country to gallop across, but also meant hounds could be seen working by the whole field.  Again, this run gave some ditch jumping for those who wanted, as the run took us down into the valley below Weylands where we found our quarry.  A quick stop for some much needed refreshments ensued, before setting off on our third hunt.  This took us through the Master’s farm where we enjoyed the many hunt jumps built by the Clarks.  Unbeknownst to me, my numnah flew off as we came down a bank and jumped a set of rails – I really must improve my observation skills, if only for the sake of my poor horse.  Martin (fully recovered from his fall) gallantly offered to go back and retrieve it, just as Graham arrived at full speed with his arms full of my (horse’s) clothing.  Thank you to both of you!  After a short break, we set off on our fourth hunt – this time, the field initially split up as the jumps at the beginning of this line were not optional, and the second set of rails were really quite trappy as the land fell away on the approach.  However, Fiona gave a brilliant lead to those of us who followed, and I believe everyone jumped them successfully.  The hounds once again flew as the trail took us back down the valley, and then up the other side, where they found at the top of the hill.

We all then hacked back through Tendring Hall to where the field had parked their horse boxes for some yummy soup and rolls before those who had started from Weylands turned round to head back home with some satisfied hounds and horses.  Many thanks to the Holden family for letting us hunt their land, and to the runners who must have appreciated the better going this week, if not the hills!

Euston Hall - 11th February 2007

Poor Nikki’s run of bad luck continues as this week she fell victim to a nasty bout of flu.  Hope she’s feeling much better, and will be leading the field again on Sunday.  Consequently, the Masters asked if I could stand in again, this time at the beautiful venue of Euston Hall, where we met by courtesy of the Duke of Grafton.  It was the first time I had been there, and was a little worried when my planned journey via Ixworth was knocked sideways by the presence of large road closed signs.  Not knowing my way round the area, I followed the diversion signs to Bury St Edmunds and then back to Ixworth.  I did panic that I would be unduly late, but decided not to risk venturing into the unknown Suffolk countryside despite seeing some hunt followers travelling in the opposite direction – which was rather disconcerting!

Despite the heavy rain that fell on Saturday, and again first thing Sunday morning, we were blessed by glorious sunshine throughout the hunt, and although the going was a little false in places, I doubt many venues would have stood up so well to the large number of followers who came out.  However, although the light land was beneficial to the horses, it played havoc with scent which was extremely variable and resulted in a lot more checks than usual whilst the hounds worked out where their quarry had gone.  An additional challenge came on the second run with the arrival of a huge herd of deer which then crossed the line of our quarry.  The estimates from various members of the field were between 100 and 200 head of deer – a truly awesome sight.  Unfortunately, a number of the hounds thought the same and that this was too good an opportunity to miss.  Although the whips managed to turn most of the hounds back to the master very quickly (it was amazing to see Fiona galloping through the herd on Shadow), we had a long wait whilst Graham, Fiona and Holly tried to recover the four who went AWOL – eventually, Fiona returned with 3 very sheepish hounds, but the fourth one made a determined bid for venison and when Graham and Holly finally caught him, he was removed in disgrace by Lewis in the truck.  Purely on a technical note, it was interesting to see that the hounds did not hunt the deer (ie using their noses), but chased them purely on sight.

Reduced to only one whip, we were fortunate to be able to call on the services of Georgie who had previously whipped in with the Waveney Harriers so were able to continue on our way.  Special mention must go to her 5 year old daughter who luckily is very independent  and who once again stayed out the whole day, and as much at the front as her pony, Star, can.  After further excitement on the second line, when two riders came off their horses following an abrupt check, the third line again proved stop and start, which was a blessing in disguise as by then some of the horses were beginning to struggle with the going, and it would have been extremely difficult to keep up if the hounds had been flying.  The final run was short and steady, which meant riders could pick their way carefully around rabbit holes and the air was full of riders crying out “ware hole”.  Finally, we got to safe ground, and enjoyed a flying finish through the woods over a log and back to the park where there was soup and cake waiting for us – including a fab cake provided by Wendy whose birthday it is this Friday – many happy returns!

Lower House Farm 4th February 2007

I was asked by the Masters to stand in for our usual Field Master, Nikki Lancaster, as her horse, O’Malley, wasn’t quite right after the previous weekend’s meet.  Crabby (my horse) was only too delighted at the thought of being right at the front again, especially as there was jumping promised.  A number of us unboxed at Weylands before hacking over to Lower House Farm, where we met the rest of the field.  It was good to see so many people out, especially some regular followers of the Essex and Suffolk Foxhounds.  It was also nice to see Nikki out on her young horse who she is bringing on quietly as a future Field Master’s horse.  Having developed a bad headache (not self-inflicted for once) on the way over, I was given both aspirin and paracetomol, on the advice of a pharmacist who was out with us, washed down with some port (not sure she advised that bit!) which did help, but meant the rest of the day was a bit of a blur.  But I do remember we certainly covered some ground (about 18 miles in total), with some good jumping on the first line.  Unfortunately, Nikki was unshipped when Severity put in an awkward jump, but got back on board and continued with us for a while longer.  There was also some excitement when a few of the hounds got the wrong side of some fencing, and had to be rescued by Holly, only to find some more stuck at the last fence, where Lewis gave them a helping hand. 

The unseasonally warm weather provided quite a hunting challenge as scent wasn’t great, especially over the corn, but the hounds certainly picked up when the line went through some woods (sorry, Nat, for going that fast under low branches!)  They also proved that they can follow quarry running in Wellingtons just as well as traditional footwear – no comment about the rest of Lewis’s running gear though ;-)  The final run started out over some low lying meadows, and the hounds appeared to have problems finding the scent – not surprisingly when we subsequently learnt that the runner had started further up the valley!  From a personal perspective, though, it’s a great opportunity when something like that does happen as you get to appreciate how skillfully the Master and Whips work with the hounds, casting and directing them.  Of course, once hounds did find, they were off and flying and we had an excellent fast finish to a great day. 

Thank you to the Brocklebank and Norman-Butler families for allowing us to hunt over such wonderful country – a privilege indeed.

Sue.

Note from Nikki

 Red Lodge Farm, Shotley 28th January 2007

Sunday started off cold but bright and being on the peninsula it was fairly breezy!! We enjoyed some fabulous views of nature at its finest, extremely wild and open with stunning views across the river Orwell. We set off on the first hunt in the opposite direction to the hounds as they had to negotiate a sensitive conservation area, so it was probably not a good idea for the field to follow! However we kept hounds in sight and were afforded wonderful views of the Master hunting his hounds! It was lovely to see Topsy Ingleton and Jay Swallow out with us as well as many regulars who attend week in.

Unfortunately during the first run auntie Ann parted company with Dougal, I hasten to add though at no fault of the horse, the saddle slipped round depositing Ann on the ground in an extremely muddy puddle! No harm done fortunately, Ann remounted to finish the day!

We enjoyed three long hunts negotiating some very taxing terrain, we crossed water meadows where the going was seriously deep so we made headway at a steady pace, assisting our mounts as much as possible. One young rider parted company with her pony and was swiftly rescued by Jay Swallow! We crossed stubble, tracks, headlands, ditches as well as the meadows and although the weather threatened to rain fortunately it held off.

We covered a total of approx. 15 - 18 miles which is no mean feat in quite sticky conditions but we had a wonderful days sport.

A big thank you to our quarry for supplying the runs Graham, Charlotte, Sue and first time runner Holly Farrer, although I think it could be Holly's last time as the hunted as being the hunter is far less strenuous!!

We finished the day as usual with soup, tea, cakes and a chance to catch up!!

Next week Stoke by Nayland, look forward to seeing you there.

 Nikki

Ramsholt Arms   7^th January 2007

I’m back !!! Had a fab time but great to be back, O’ Malley still sulked all the while he wasn’t hunting, but a very happy pony today !! We only got back yesterday afternoon and are still a bit jet lagged so I’ll keep this short!

As always the Ramsholt Arms gave us a lovely meet and we set off across the beach, hounds hunting extremely well, we then  followed up a bank and into woods where the hunt was on!! We negotiated various terrain, a bit wet and muddy so plenty of muddy horses and riders. Paula was out with Matt and the kids following on bikes, far braver than I.

After the second run we enjoyed another port stop and were all kept amused by Dodger’s terriering, all you could see were his back legs and tail. I don’t know what was in that hole but Dodger thought it was something he needed.

A fab days hunting. As the sea was near a few of us decided to go and wash our horses down in it. O’Malley performed his party trick of soaking all who dared to go near him, he and Pirate had great fun galloping through the waves as did we, although we all got soaked our horses were lovely and clean, time to dry off and enjoy the lovely homemade soup in the Ramsholt Arms!

Message to Masters, any chance of a mobile splash pool so we can wash down each week, or can we just hunt by the seaside !!

Easton Farm Park - Monday 1st January 2007

What better way to start the New Year than hunting on a gloriously sunny day – admittedly the wind was a bit keen at the start, but although I was worried that the hounds might find conditions tricky, in fact, it worked to our advantage as the top scent was blown away which meant that they all kept their heads down and on the line.  Whilst it was a smaller field than Boxing Day, those who came out will have been privileged to see some truly excellent hound work – in fact, on the second run, they hunted from start to finish without checking, and without any intervention from the Master or Whips.  This was even more impressive given that the quarry was unfamiliar to them.  This meant that once again we had to really gallop to stay with them, and the runners had to work even harder over very wet going to keep ahead.  I’m sure that the sound of the hounds drawing close behind must provide an adrenaline rush to help tired legs!  Sadly, this was my last time standing in for Nikki, but Crabby and I have had the best time of our lives.  Thank you to all the landowners who make it possible, to the runners without whom there’d be nothing to hunt, to the field who were all incredibly supportive and impeccably behaved, and finally, a huge thank you to Roger and Fiona who had faith in me - it’s definitely been an honour and a privilege!

Little Bromley - Tuesday 26th December 2006

It was great to see so many people and horses tinselled up although I still haven’t got all the glitter out of my tack yet, and I’m sure I left a trail of silver round the Essex countryside!  First prize for turnout really had to go to Christine and Bert – I don’t think there was an inch of his tack that wasn’t decorated.  The weather was damp and overcast, but I was amazed by how many people came out on foot to support us at this, the most traditional of all meets, as well as the sizeable field.  Although the day was a bit cold, everyone was in great spirits, especially once they’d enjoyed Chris and Nat’s hospitality (and fabulous mulled wine).  The hunting was fast and furious, and we covered an incredible 20 miles (so I’m told), including the first line which was just shy of 6 miles.  Once again, the hounds flew, and we really had to work hard to keep up with them, including jumping some ditches.  Whilst waiting to start the final run, Holly and Christine tried to cover Graham with some very fetching pink tinsel, but he was just too quick for them – may be you’ll catch him next year!

Butley Oyster - Sunday 17th December 2006

This was my first day of standing in for Nikki, so I was more than a little nervous as she always does such a fantastic job.  My nerves were not further helped when I spotted the arrival of several luminaries from the Easton Harriers Hunt but Crabby (my horse) and I soon settled to our new responsibilities, especially as my instructions from Master were straightforward - “just follow me”.  Scenting conditions were quite challenging early on and on several occasions, the hounds started to hunt heel lines which resulted in some unscheduled stops for the field.  Fortunately, the first two lines included some heavy land, so those who were on particularly keen mounts were able to use this to their advantage to steady their horses without distracting the hounds.  However, scent improved quickly as the afternoon progressed and the pack was soon flying so we had to really kick on to keep in touch.  Many thanks to the Greenwells for allowing us to hunt their land at very short notice, especially as shooting was taking place the next day and also to the new landlord at the Butley Oyster for providing a hearty soup at the end of the day.

Sunday 10^th December - Higham Racecourse

Tracy and Graham laid on  a fab meet of delicious food and mulled wine!!

Riding very nervously so the field held back, unfortuneately poor Sams horse was so excited he couldn’t wait and unseated poor Sam on the only piece of hardstanding!! Sam got back on after Graham caught the horse and he finished the day!! Milly was also out on Rupert, it was nice to see so many out old and new, lots of kids, always great.

Will had mouth problems so Jackie got on to finish the day whilst Tom followed. Plenty of jumping, lots of things to think about, an absolutely fab day up and down hills, tracks, slopes over plenty of hunt jumps some requiring some real skill to negotiate, all of it great fun!!

Master Fiona kindly allowed Tom to ride Shadow. Tom was pleased at the great honour. Chris and Natalie’s daughter Grace also joined in the fun and sat with dad on his horse, nice to see the lovely pics on the website. 

We are now off to Disney for three weeks, have a fab Xmas and New Year, Sue will be holding the reins so to speak, until I return.

See you in 2007   

Sunday 26^th November - Baylham Hall

By kind invitation of The Wilson Family.

It was very kind of Mrs Wilson and family to invite us back after a very difficult year. Graham, Charlotte and Sue were our quarry for the day. Sue made an excellent quarry by thinking fox and trying to outfox the hounds, but our clever pack of hounds worked it all out and hunted her down, Killing her with kisses!!!! This set the standard for the day, up and down hills, negotiating various terrain. When it started to rain all but Master Roger donned our coats, we did not allow it to dampen our spirits and continued our great day. Nice to see so many out, Jess was out as were Tracy and Graham. Charlotte looked after Pip’s puppy “Charlie Brown”. At the end of the day we all hacked our wet, muddy and steaming horses back to the boxes and enjoyed tea and cakes before heading home.

Sunday 19^th November. - Shrublands Hall

By kind invitation of Lord and Lady de Samaurez 

It is very very sad that Lord and Lady de Samaurez have been forced into selling the gorgeous Shrubland Hall estate to settle the taxman. So it is very sad to think that this may be our last hunt here. 

After a lovely speech from Master we moved off on the start of our first run, and what a day!!! We went on and on following the ever improving and extremely fast hounds!! We covered numerous terrains up and down hills, tracks, headlands, woodlands, you name it we covered it, and Boy did we kick on!!! The most fab day hunting. Certainly a day to remember. O’ Malley worked on auto pilot allowing me to enjoy the scenery!! Afterwards Fiona, Holly, Jake and I had a wander around the now empty estate, all very sad. Tea and cakes from Ann to finish and soup from Toni, photos by Jackie and Peter.

Sunday 12^th November - Dennington Hall

What a great day for hunting, cold and bright, but clear! We enjoyed the company of “Mt John Furnel”, Pippa Funnel’s father in law, he was mounted on Roger Lush’s horse Tom. It was lovely to see our youngest member of the field who at 6 years of age competently hunted her fabulous little grey pony, keeping up with no problem at all. Edward was out on Poppy and Tom and Jake were out on their ponies, great to see so many children starting to come out and enjoy the sport. 

Charlotte, sue and Graham were our quarry for the day. During our first hunt Dion injured his front leg piercing into the artery, he still carried on so it wasn’t until the end of the first hunt that his injury became apparent. Time was of the essence and Master Fiona swiftly dismounted to apply pressure to the injury, a bandage consiting of tail ribbons and Ann’s medical kit contents was applied. Both Tom and Jake were ordered to head back for Graham and more medical supplies. Much to the boys delight they got top gallop off on their important errand!! Lewis then swiftly transported Dion to the vets, Matt took over from Lewis chauffeuring the runners and watering hounds etc. The day continued ahead because of the way the team and many others pulled together to help out. And so we enjoyed three further hunts with hounds hunting well in spite of the increasing winds. Unfortunately Master Roger lost his favourite hunting horn after taking on the most enormous blind ditch !! Major leapt over fine but I decided to lead the field around after a few problems at previous ditches!! Tom was pleased to get Will over his first ditch even though he landed on his nose!!! 

It was a busy day with plenty to keep everybody occupied!! As we enjoyed our tea, soup and cake Mr Funnel commented on how splendidly the hounds performed and on how well mannered they were, he was overall impressed with the professionalism of the day, praise indeed!! We aim to please!!!! 

Good news on Dion, after treatment and recuperation he will be out hunting again as soon as he is well enough   

Sunday 5^th November Clarks Farm, Belchamp Walter

The sun was bright with a large field mounted and plenty of foot followers, including our Chairman Archie with his wife Linda. We set off on our second meet of the season and enjoyed four fabulous hunts with the new contingency of hounds hunting extremely well, one of the hounds Redding needs a bit more time as she overcomes her stage fright! So it was left to Graham to put her back on track whilst we carried on. We enjoyed galloping down long grass tracks with excellent going, past the ruins of the Belchamp bailey, looking down the valleys with spectacular views!! Afterwards we enjoyed tea and cakes before our journey home. Another fab days hunting.

Sunday 29^th October Opening Meet - Layham Queen

We had lovely weather for our opening meet, it was chilly but bright, excellent scenting conditions. Everybody was excited including the horses and the hounds, we held up outside the Layham Queen and enjoyed their hospitality before setting off. We had a huge field and it was lovely to see so many old and new faces, sue was out on Nikki’s horse Karina, Holly was on my horse Sevvy, Jake on Brownie and Tom was on Masters pony William, who was out for his first ever hunt!! Graham was on Tara as Pirate is still recovering after an injury, Toni, Ann, Christine and many others were all out and ready for the day’s sport.

Charlotte, Did and graham were our quarry for today. We enjoyed some beautiful country, vertical challenges for those who wanted to. Hounds worked extremely well and we all need to kick on to keep up. With plenty of varying terrain to keep us and our mounts occupied. We enjoyed spectacular views across the valleys working up and down hills, across meadows and plenty of tracks. Everybody was in great spirits, even more so after the many port and choccy stops!!!

It was a truly memorable day to open for the season ahead. Afterwards we all congregated together in the pub for soup and a chat.

Lovely to be hunting again.

Sunday 27th August 2006. Barratts Farm, Dedham

What a fantastic day!!! With 64 horses and many people following it was a superb start to the hound rides.

We enjoyed glorious hacking around Dedham following the new contingency of hounds. We enjoyed a hunt at the end of the ride and it was great to see everybody out enjoying the sport. The new hounds did exceptionally well and it was a delight to hear them all vocally pronouncing their excitement at the forth coming hunt!!!

Many thanks to the field who behaved perfectly around the young hounds.

Nikki

Sunday 26th March 2006. Layham Queen

For the final meet of the season we met at The Queens Head at Layham. It was very warm and we were all very hot under our hunting jackets before we had even moved off!!! We set off for the final time of the season and we certainly cut quite a dashing sight!!!

Well what a day, we set off at a gallop and never really stopped all day!! We negotiated hills, headlands, tracks and plenty of grass!! There were jumps for those who wanted to including hedges for the brave!! Graham thought he was heading for a gateway to find no gate only a rather large hedge, as hounds were off and running he had little choice but to jump the hedge!!

At the end of the first hunt Roger said a few words for Stephen Grimsey who along with some of our followers had celebrated his 50th Birthday at a party the night before and also for Nicky who most of you know this was her last season grooming for me. I am pleased to say she will still help out part time but will not be out on a Sunday quite so often. At the end of the day I presented her with a "Bloodhound" and many thanks for her hard work, I'll certainly miss her on Sunday mornings next season!! Thanks Nicky

We enjoyed four fantastic hunts and by the end we were all very hot but happy!! The Masters hacked home one way whilst we hacked back to the boxes. Contrary to popular belief I actually "was" vaguely aware of the direction of home!! Christine thought it might be fun to race Bert using his ears as throttles!! Bert wasn't quite so sure though and ran off with Christine in hysterics!!!! As Tom would like to learn how to crack his whip, we all practised on the hack home. I was pleased that I could crack my whip but O'Malley didn't seem quite so pleased!!!

Back at the pub we rearranged the furniture to be able to seat us all and enjoyed soup and rolls with plenty of chat.

I have had a fabulous season hunting and I hope you all have too. We have been privileged with some fantastic meets, on and around outstanding countryside. Many thanks to everybody involved in giving us such great days sport. There are far too many people to mention but thankyou to everyone in front and behind the scenes!!

Thanks also to all the field, it is lovely to see so many regular faces and new faces too. I hope to see you all over the summer at the various events and then it won't be long before the hound rides start again!!!

Thanks to Masters Roger and Fiona for affording me the privilege of being Field Master to the East Anglian Bloodhounds.

Thank you and Goodnight 

Sunday 19th March 2006. Yorley Farm by kind invitation of The Johnson Family and neighbours

Sunday morning was bright and chilly. We were the first to arrive at the meet!!! However I need not have worried as within half an hour more people arrived. We set off slightly later than usual as poor Liz had got a bit lost so we waited for her to get organised!!

We set off down a track opposite the farm. Behind me I could hear Holly, Christine and Wendy discussing underwear apparently Big knickers are the favoured riding underwear, I will have to get some!!!. Hounds were off and running but in the wrong direction heading back towards the road. Master Roger called them back to heel and Master Fiona and Graham had to work hard rounding them up, hounds were really excited and promptly vanished into the wood then across another field towards a road!!! Master Roger gave them a serious ticking off much to Wendy's delight who informed all "I LOVE A POWERFUL MAN!" watch out Roger!!!

Due to the wind the scent appeared to be picked up and blown away which sent the hounds running in all sorts of directions. Masters and Graham had to work extremely hard. We enjoyed plenty of cantering but had to take it steady as the ground was really hard and uneven!! We enjoyed watching Master Roger work his hounds and guide them through the poor scenting conditions. It was great to be able to be up close and watch the hounds work. Over the course of the day the hounds settled mostly and worked really hard with just one or two hiccups where the scent had blown and taken them in the wrong direction, but still it was a privilege to see just how man and hounds work together.

The going was mostly good to hard although we were able to pick areas on the tracks with better going. We negotiated woodland tracks and some fabulous ditches, all optional. We encountered only a few areas where caution was required and the cry of "Ware Hole" could be heard, we were able to open up the horses on some grass which was perfect for galloping. As always we were well looked after by Ann, Pip and Nicky who bought us port and chocolate at the end of some of the runs. another successful days hunting drew to a close. we had covered 14 miles and even when we were not moving it was marvellous to be up close hunting with the hounds.

Somewhere in the confusion one hound had managed to get separated from the pack, fortunately Lewis found him and managed to pick him up, after we had sorted out our charges it was time for tea and cake kindly laid on by our hosts. Next week our final meet of the season is at the Layham Queen, this season has gone so quickly.

Sunday 12th March 2006. Sommerleyton Hall by kind invitation of The hon. Hugh Crossley

We met outside the fabulous Sommerleyton Hall. The architecture and beauty was truly outstanding and admired by all. The Hon Hugh Crossley was mounted as was the estate Manager Edward on Tom: Roger Lush's horse, and he had helped to organise this truly memorable meet. His daughter was also out on her pony. after a sniffter of raspberry vodka we set off on the first of our five hunts. As we began the sleet came down amidst groans from the field. Fortunately this was short lived and the weather although cold was bright and cheery. Hounds set off and flew, hunting quarry Graham foot for foot!! With a couple of rails to jump for those who wanted our first run was fabulous!!!

Master Roger was coughing his way round the first run but after a quick fix from my hipflask he seemed much better!! The second run saw us negot