Essayer OR - Gratuit
Party time
Horse & Hound
|December 12, 2024
From Whitaker vs Whitaker football matches to a hunting choir roaring carols, top riders know how to let their hair down at Christmastime. Netia Walker unearths the best festive parties

WORKING with horses during the long, winter months is not for the fainthearted. The hours are long, beginning and ending in the dark, the weather unkind. The go-to clothing is unglamorous, bulky and vitally waterproof. So is it any wonder that as the festive spirit starts to swirl, the horsey lot enthusiastically swap their wellies for high heels, throw on the sequins, book a blow-dry and hit the party scene hard?
HOW SILENTLY...
THE Beaufort Hunt Charity Carol Service held at the church in Badminton is widely regarded by locals as the signal that the Christmas party season has begun. Every year the hunt holds the traditional, candlelit service and raises large sums of money for local charities. This year St Giles Church, Alderton, will be the recipient of the hunt's passionate ability to rally the troops and raise the funds it desperately needs to enable it to stay open.
Musical enthusiasts might question the audition process for the choir. What it lacks in vocal ability it makes up for in its humour, as field masters, members of the field, car followers and farmers with the biggest personalities are chosen to fill the stalls and roar carols with hearty enthusiasm.
There is a ripple of laughter that spreads like wildfire once their identities are revealed to the congregation as they file down the aisle towards the altar dressed in cassocks, complete with frilly collar.

"We almost had to move churches," he says with a chuckle.
Cette histoire est tirée de l'édition December 12, 2024 de Horse & Hound.
Abonnez-vous à Magzter GOLD pour accéder à des milliers d'histoires premium sélectionnées et à plus de 9 000 magazines et journaux.
Déjà abonné ? Se connecter
PLUS D'HISTOIRES DE Horse & Hound

Horse & Hound
A star is born
A Belgian star steals the show in Aachen’s electric grand prix special, while a Brit hits a personal best, setting the stage for a thrilling summer of top sport
4 mins
July 10, 2025

Horse & Hound
Rules and regulations: how they help
How do veterinary regulators reduce the risks associated with equestrian sports? Howard Newitt MRCVS explains
5 mins
July 10, 2025

Horse & Hound
Revelry brings the party
Max Warburton and his girlfriend Susie Berry enjoy a one-two in the showcase class, while bright prospects shine in the three-star sections
4 mins
July 10, 2025

Horse & Hound
Sadie Smith
Dressage’s rising star talks to Oscar Williams about rebuilding her career, coping with setbacks and the people who made it all possible
7 mins
July 10, 2025

Horse & Hound
Preparations for 'gold standard' home Europeans in full swing
Bumper crowds are expected at Blenheim, which is well on its way with plans for a world-class sporting event
2 mins
July 10, 2025

Horse & Hound
Britain claims a podium place
Olympic gold medallists and a rising star combine to help Britain to third in the Nations Cup, while Martin Fuchs follows in his uncle's footsteps with a big grand prix win
4 mins
July 10, 2025

Horse & Hound
'You name it, he's done it'
TRUE all-rounder Linsfort Ear To The Ground (Leo) topped both the novice and elementary classes.
1 min
July 10, 2025

Horse & Hound
Birthday treat from Birthday Boy
Two debutants exceed expectations, a producer adds to an impressive record, and a young rider stages a comeback
3 mins
July 10, 2025

Horse & Hound
Hidden harm
Help your horse enjoy the warmer summer months safely, with tips from The Insurance Emporium
2 mins
July 10, 2025

Horse & Hound
Coco stirs up a win
A parish clerk and a sports broadcaster are among those in the frame this week
2 mins
July 10, 2025