The mild December weather meant that the usual numbers who attend the Meonstoke Boxing Day Hunt were swelled by hundreds. It seemed as though everyone in the village, and surrounding villages, were gathered to witness the traditional ride past by horses and hounds, and to enjoy drinks and a BBQ at the Bucks Head pub.

The hunt made its way through the crowd to gather in the pub car park before making it’s way up the hill for the annual trail hunt. The riders ranged in age from the young first-timers to seasoned experts, as did the crowds that gathered to watch.

I spoke with The Kennel Huntsman who proudly informed me that he knows the names and personalities of every hound in his charge. The day started early with one of the kennel team who marks the route the hunt will take. It’s his task to drag the scent along the route for the hounds to follow. The pack was made up of twelve and a half “couples” (as hunting hounds are counted in twos) with both dogs and bitches, young and old, tails wagging, all keen to get started.

The Meonstoke Hunt is an amalgamation of two hunts, The Husley and the Hambledon Hunts, which joined together in 1975. The current form of the Boxing Day hunt has met at the same location for over 25 years. The plan for today was to ride around 16 miles, although none of the riders knew the route, only the man who laid the trail knew that. It was for the hounds to follow the scent and lead the riders. The hunt relies on the generosity of local landowners to allow them to ride over the land in the area, and most are happy to oblige. This particular hunt meets twice a week during the season (November to March), although it is always the Boxing Day meet which attracts the crowds.

The Hunt is obligated to follow very strict rules due to the changes in the law in 2005, but the trail hunt is a way they keep traditions alive without harming any wildlife. Despite the strict rules, I was told that Hunt Saboteurs and protests are a constant source of concern for all the people involved in the hunt. People didn’t want to give their names due to the ever present and very serious threats they sometimes receive. However, this morning’s meet was free from any such distraction and the crowd seemed delighted when the magnificent procession cantered up the hill and off onto the surrounding farmland.

By Peter Nicholson.