The end of an incredible party'

Three of the United’s joint-masters are retiring after a wild and celebrated tenure, and their final meet shows there are no snowflakes’ here

- WILL BRYER

MASTER and huntsman Nicko Batten worked his horse through the snowy fields at sunrise, and cantered up to me, the snow loosely flicking from the hoof rather than packing and balling.

“It’s huntable!” he said, so, with that, salvation was granted for the final meet at Newton Farm.

Hard goodbyes followed, marking the retirement of three of the United Pack’s masters. Well-wishers gathered to bid farewell to an outstanding triumvirate.

Nicko remembered: “We were like three little boys, always in the Lowfield [pub] – eager to put plans into action.” His voice cracked; he’d warned us it would be hard. “Our farmers here are incredible.

“Please realise, these masters’ generosity facilitates an incredible party for just a small subscription.”

Adrian Boyes and Nicko Batten joined senior master Jonathan Lee in 2019 at the United Pack. In a bid to share in his wife Sam’s love for hunting, Adrian was a late starter in the saddle. Equine mojo found, and following Sam’s retirement from the South Shropshire mastership, he went into the United’s.

Nadine Budgen says Adrian brings “an infectious sense of fun” to the field. A bon viveur of the United perhaps, but no joker when hounds are running – he rides straight and is as brave as a lion. Many balls and fundraisers have been to the Boyes’ credit.

Joint-master Angela Sykes said, “You can’t help but smile when Adrian and Sam are out!”

Jonathan Lee has been a rock for a full decade. It is often argued that 10 seasons is an optimal term, and Jonathan said at the meet that he felt he “was going out on a high because the hunting has been better than ever.”