Hunting with the Beaufort hounds

Leon's first day out
Captain Farquhar (on the grey horse)

The Team - (left to right) Doug on Oaka, Fran on Shade, Will on Harry and me on Leon.

We had a brilliant day yesterday hunting behind the legendary Captain Farquhar. He hunted the Bicester hounds from 1973-85 and then the Beaufort hounds from then up until now. The meet was at the Thames. (our nearest neighbours) so we were able to hack there.

This is Captain Farquhar's last season and it was a real privilege to see him work his hounds.

I took Leon out for his very first time hunting - his eyes were out on stalks and he absolutely loved it. It was like riding a different horse as he was so keen and enthusiastic, whereas, he can feel rather lazy and reluctant at home. He has been in training solidly since he was two and has got rather bored with the job, It was lovely to do something different with him and he really appreciated the change. Oaka and Shade also enjoyed themselves and Harry was full of enthusiasm, jumping everything but then getting somewhat strong and uncontrollable. As the meet was close to home we were able to nip back to the farm at second horses and I changed onto Dream, managed to catch the hunt up and stayed out until 5 pm. Dream was a star, jumped everything we came across and was completely in control, which often they're not after a race.

After hunting tradition dictates that everyone goes back to the Thames for 'tea'. Oh my goodness me, what a 'tea' it was! We got back home well after mid-night....

It was good to talk to the Captain though, and rather moving when he spoke with tears in his eyes about how much he was going to miss his hounds when he retires. He has a unique bond with them which has been built up over the years, and it was amazing watching him work them, he knows everyone of their names (90 hounds) and allows them an unusual amount of freedom when they hunting which shows a mutual trust which very few huntsman can get away with.