FOXGLOVE

ALTHOUGH the hunt met at a pub and by the village green, as hunts have done since the beginning, this was not a normal hunting day.

To begin with, although we were past the first of November, traditionally the date of the opening meet, riders were dressed in 'ratcatcher' which is the tweed hacking jacket and coloured tie version of hunting dress that applies before the opening meet and, in this part of the world at least, after the Cheltenham Gold Cup meeting.

There was only a small pack of hounds out, and we would be hunting the Socks, very smelly ones that had been trailed about on the land we would be crossing.

While Socks aren't much of an agricultural pest, they are important in the general scheme of things because they help to keep the hunts together until such time as real hunting is restored to us. Thus we met, enjoying marvellous hospitality, and so pleased to be together after the worrying time of the foot-and-mouth: this is how the countryside stays together and all the country people support the farmers who are at our centre.

There was so much to see that was new and familiar all at once. That's rather a lively hunter for a gentleman of your vintage, sir, but you look to be coping.

Over there is a lightweight grey, sidling and dancing, knowing the game, for sure. An old rogue of a black and tan doghound checks out the supporters' dogs for interest, receiving a mixed reception.

A very small child, beautifully turned out and rather apprehensive, sits atop a grey pony that would like to be going faster, the one restrained and the other encouraged by the whole family. There is the white-faced white-legged cob, looking up for it whatever 'it' might be, fit and full of mischief, delighting his rider. Ah, it is good to see it all again.

For full feature, see West Sussex Gazette November 14