'I sort-of remember how to do it'

After a summer spent almost exclusively out of the saddle, H€9H hunting editor Catherine Austen recovers from a first morning back out with hounds and commends saint” Flynn for his relative readiness

POSSIBLY my favourite H&H hunting quote of all time came from dressage maestro Carl Hester, after he went hunting with the Heythrop for the magazine a few years ago. “When I woke up the following morning, the only thing I could move were my eyes.”

Even if we allow for artistic licence and the different muscles used in hunting and dressage, the fact remains that Carl rides all the time, and with great discipline and control. Imagine how I feel today after my first morning’s autumn hunting. Overcooked cabbage would have more resilience and strength to it, and all movements are accompanied by a whimper or a groan.