USUALLY a week of hard frost instigates rogue behaviour from hunting fanatics – a quick dash to the Alps or a day’s visiting in a “softer”, less windswept country ensues. The Covid pandemic stopped all hunting activities last season and left two young huntsmen frustrated and bored.
However, a call for help came from 51 Degrees, a training delivery outfit for wildlife rangers specifically focused on antipoaching of ivory and rhino horn in Kenya. It was running a basic training and patrol medics course and needed some external consultancy support.
Well, Batten and Bailey provided the perfect duo, Nicko with his previous military experience (Major in the Royal Marines) and Henry with his in-depth background in mammal management (foxhounds, the handling and breeding of, and an incipient career as an amateur jockey). So with the shoes whipped off the horses for the season, we got out of the UK.
Fortune struck twice; on arrival in Nairobi we were able to witness the first-ever East African all-female polo tournament. If you think it takes courage to jump the upturned dandy brushes of the Shires, you haven’t seen ferocious horsemanship like these tough females. They are not to be trifled with: hard-riding at blistering pace and with precision skill.
With no planning, we launched from HQ, which was actually Jessie and Jamie Excell’s house in Karen. Our mounts for this trip were two 250cc Dutch-designed, Kenyan-made Kibos. These we rented from a company called I-Ride Nairobi which appeared to be based in the middle of an outdoor cocktail bar. If only they knew how we intended to ride them, the service might not have been so good.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
