THERE is little doubt that the 10th Duke of Beaufort, who died in 1984, stands out as the foremost figure in 20th-century foxhunting.
Although christened Henry Hugh Arthur Fitzroy and being 21st in line from John of Gaunt, whose father, it will be remembered, was Edward III, he was known to everyone as "Master". He gained his nickname when he hunted a small pack of harriers that his father gave him as a boy and he would be asked, "Where are you going to draw next, Master?"
From the very start he was single-minded in his enthusiasm for hunting and was remarkable in that he was a first-rate horseman as well as huntsman and hound breeder. He hunted hounds for 47 years himself and continued to ride to hounds virtually until his death at the age of 83, during his 60th season as master.
I was lucky to have enjoyed a season hunting with the Beaufort in the early 1960s as a farm pupil in that country.
The hounds were out six days a week then, with Master hunting his bitches on Wednesdays and Saturdays, his joint-master, Major Gerald Gundry, hunting the doghounds on Mondays and Thursdays and kennel-huntsman Bert Pateman hunting the mixed pack on Tuesdays and Fridays.
My memory of hunting with Master was of almost constant hunting with very little noise. More often than not things were kept on the move with a view from one of the whippersin communicating with the use of a whistle, never a holloa, so as not to distract the hounds. This resulted in regular good hunts, often with long points, which kept the large fields, usually numbering more than 200 horsemen, well spread out.
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
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback