Good in a crisis

When it comes to support within the hunting community during the Covid-19 pandemic, no stone has been left unturned, says Abi Butcher

- Abi Butcher

FROM the loo-roll challenge to hound racing, online auctions to hunting-tea recipe sharing, from downing raw eggs and pints of milk to holding virtual horse, dog and agricultural shows, hunts across the country have shown extraordinary adaptability in keeping communities together, helping those in need and raising vital funds.

It’s proof once again that hunting is the backbone of rural life and a community to rely on in times of need.

Since 23 March, life for every one of us has been very strange. A week before, the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) called a halt to all hunting, while point-to-points and hunt balls were hastily cancelled as the country went into lockdown.

While simultaneously redoubling efforts to keep their flesh rounds going during lambing and amid new restrictions on work and social distancing, hunts up and down the country quickly mobilised troops to help anyone struggling.

They have reported to H&H massive efforts to help the community. This includes everything from offering to take ponies from the Riding for the Disabled Association and Vauxhall City Farm to donating food and making and delivering meals, from sewing scrubs and raising money for the NHS to delivering prescriptions to the most vulnerable – and much, much more.

“Most hunts have a very good structure to get a message out to their members and supporters, so the hunting community has an innate ability to mobilise troops quickly and effectively – which has been demonstrated perfectly during recent weeks,” says Alice Bowden, director of the Hunting Office.

“People get a lot out of hunting, not just the ‘going hunting’ but the community, team spirit and camaraderie behind it. Right now we need that more than ever.”

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