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.”
Denne historien er fra March 30, 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.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 30, 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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions