Rydal, Cumbria
THE Blencathra huntsman Barry Todhunter and his four-year-old tri-coloured bitch Satin 19 took the top honour at what is a Mecca for hunting enthusiasts from across the UK.
It was a stroke of genius from show chairman Claire Logan-Stephens to ask Eildon Letts to judge the last class of the day, namely the champion of the show. Claire, who succeeded her father Bruce as show chairman, knows the huge part that the late Martin Letts MFH played in the recent history of the show and his wife Eildon is hugely respected in hunting circles.
Martin was part of the scenery at this iconic Lakeland event, tweed flat cap in place and leaning on his walking stick. Tynedale joint-master and huntsman Charlie ShirleyBeavan seems to have taken over his mantle, though still rather young to be leaning on quite such a big stick while judging the fell hounds.
His co-judge, joint-master of the VWH Susie Goess-Saurau, was quick to get her eye in to a different type of hound.
“Satin caught our eye as soon as she came in the ring and we thought she was quite outstanding,” she said. “She covered a lot of ground and was full of quality: faultless.”
Barry Todhunter is a hunting legend in these parts. The last time he won at Rydal was with Satin’s sire, Blencathra Sergent 13, who won it twice consecutively.
“Satin is one of a litter of six,” says Barry, “and they are all such natural hunters. As soon as one hound speaks they are away. It’s in the genes and just comes naturally to them all.”
Denne historien er fra August 24, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra August 24, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'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
