Hunting but not as you know it
There is something about foxhunting which causes me unease – but never enough to wander around with a placard or to throw unkind substances to bring the event to a halt.
It is a part of country life and not one which I either had the money for, or indeed the inclination to get involved in. On the other hand it is a jolly good subject for photography- pretty colourful with lots of action – and I like that. “Hypocrite!”
Ignoring the readership challenge I went out with the camera recently to visit a hunt with the sole aim of getting some pictures. But what a surprise! All the usual elements seemed to be there – you know people, horses, glasses of port etc. I was even offered a glass of port. Another reason for blurry pictures.
When the dogs appeared I began to twig that something was different. The dog that bounded towards me wasn’t a foxhound. In fact the pack looked more like those blood thirsty howling animals that used to hurtle across foggy Dartmoor in pursuit of escaping prisoners. They were BLOODHOUNDS!
Instantly I planned a rapid retreat, but was rather taken aback, because the dogs were friendly (over-friendly) and just wanted to lick you and for you to stroke them.
This was pursuit hunting or hunting with bloodhounds in pursuit of people.
Meet the bait –
these people came prepared for a run and to lay a trail for the dogs to follow. Possessed by images from old fashioned movies of prisoner of war escape films, I asked, “What happens if the dogs catch up with you” The lead runner confessed “That’s a bit of a nuisance if it happens because the dogs just want to put their paws on your shoulder and lick your face…it is very uncomfortable.”
Apart from the fact that the master of the hounds wore a black coat instead a red one that I had hoped for. It all went terribly well. The runners left and laid their trail in areas that spectators could watch.
The hunt men and women headed off for an enjoyable gallop with nothing too stressful. The hounds had a run and the horses lots of exercise – no blood, no killing and not a protester in sight.
What more could one ask?