When our farmers went to London
Horse & Hound|August 01, 2024
It's the 75th anniversary of the Piccadilly Hunt ride. Matt Ramsden explains what the protest involved, and relates the tale of its recent celebration
Catherine Austen
When our farmers went to London

PROTESTING is all the rage these days. University campuses, town centres and stretches of tarmac are perpetually littered with unhappy people who air their grievances with such regularity that one forgets the point from each day to the next. In postwar Britain, with a country united in getting back on its feet, things were different.

People had been through so much and had far greater worries than stopping oil. Food production was at the forefront of the nation’s needs and while farmers were a minority, they were still a pivotal part of the political agenda. So a small group of men were to prove.

In February 1949, a private member’s bill to ban hunting was to be debated in the House of Commons. Rural England was naturally in uproar and although more than a million signatures against had been amassed by the British Field Sports Society, a band of farmers in the North Cotswolds and Severn Vale decided this wasn’t going to be enough.

They felt strongly that the proposed bill insulted their way of life, showed a lack of understanding and that a ban on hunting would contradict their modus operandi; to feed the British people. To be understood by those in power, the collective collaborated to go to London. Thus, the Piccadilly Hunt was formed.

The name did not achieve its significance until after the event; one that needed planning, police permission and the convictions of a minority who felt they were being persecuted. Harry Johnston and Geoffrey Milne, along with a few other kindred spirits, tentatively planned the trip, to act as representatives of the thousands who were in opposition to the bill.

As is so often the case when emotion rides high on a plan, things began to escalate and it was conceived that they’d ride horses through the streets to present the petition. Of course!

Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin August 01, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin August 01, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

HORSE & HOUND DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Horse & Hound

'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

time-read
2 dak  |
November 07, 2024
New pair pull off a win
Horse & Hound

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

time-read
2 dak  |
November 07, 2024
Lording it over the rest
Horse & Hound

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

time-read
3 dak  |
November 07, 2024
Smith hits flying form
Horse & Hound

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

time-read
3 dak  |
November 07, 2024
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Horse & Hound

Jankorado hits the jackpot

Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps

time-read
4 dak  |
November 07, 2024
Peanut
Horse & Hound

Peanut

From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character

time-read
3 dak  |
November 07, 2024
She's a corker
Horse & Hound

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

time-read
8 dak  |
November 07, 2024
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
Horse & Hound

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

time-read
7 dak  |
November 07, 2024
'Use it or lose it'
Horse & Hound

'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

time-read
6 dak  |
November 07, 2024
A new way forward
Horse & Hound

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

time-read
3 dak  |
November 07, 2024