Hunt Reports Summer 2010

Opening Meet October 2011   

Opening Meet

Hunting is what they came for and hunting is what they got!

With horses coming from as far away as Ammanford, Aberystwyth and Llanelli and riders from Northern Ireland and Lithuania the day did not disappoint for the 40 + mounted hunting enthusiasts of the West Wales Farmers Bloodhounds.

Graham Coupar introduced the Mayor of Newcastle Emlyn, Councilor Hazel Evans who was presented with a cheque from the Hunt towards her chosen charity the N.S.P.C.C. before wishing the Field a good day.

Master Robert Thomas introduced the newly entered hounds for the season and thanked the Hunt’s many friends and supporters who had turned out. He made special mention of the relationship between the landowners and farmers over whose land the hunt would be crossing this season and thanked them for their continuing support towards this style of hunting

     

  

       

The Hunt moved off from the Emlyn Arms Hotel towards Llandyfriog making their way cross country towards Cwmdu.

  

New runners for the Hunt - Gordon Ormes and Hilary McCarthy from Cardigan Running Club laid a challenging series of lines giving Hounds and Field something to think about.

Field Masters Katie Hall and Vicky Haines kept the Field up on the pace, while experienced hunters Cathie Nunn, Jan Harrison and Graham Smith followed Master Robert Thomas over wooden gates and wire.

        

Local Fferm Factor contestant Debbie Phillips looked after the less experienced and young hunters, so everyone shared the thrill of hunting with hounds.

Some fine displays of jumping can be viewed on Emyronline’s website.

Stories of the days falls and achievements, to be recalled for generations to come, were told over bowls of homemade cowl back at the Hotel.

Thanks go also to Hunt Supporters - Angie Coupar, Mandy Davies and Geoff Haines who helped on the day.

 

             

Photographer - Emyr Rhys Williams. Further photos on www.emyronline.com 

 

 Sunday 10th Oct. - Rhydlewis  

Ice and snow stopped the Bloodhounds meeting here last season but not so on this occasion. Meeting earlier and with stock still in the fields, Master Robert Thomas led the hounds through the village of Rhydlewis. A strong Field of local hunters, many of whom had hacked to the Meet, covered country all the way to Ffostrasol and back. Local hunter Cher Hillyer of Bargoed was joined on her stunning colored stallion by some new to hunting.

  

 

Sunday 16th Oct. - Troed -yr-aur Square, Brongest

With hunters attending from as far a field as the North Hereford hunt the day did not disappoint. The Field moved off down towards Brongest to hunt the Ceri Valley all the way to Cwmdu. Meeting woodland and river valley with hunt jumps to challenge the best. Including Master Robert Thomas who came off jumping out of the river and Junior Whip Matthew Coventry, whose pony lost its footing in the river bed, dunking its rider !

Foot followers got some great views of the pack hunting the three runners Hilary Mc Carthy, Jason and Jane Wilkins, with the Field at pace close behind negotiating the many obstacles on offer. The thrill of the chase catching many of the Field and taking riders in the line over fences usually gone round. Not least of all 1^st Whip Kate Bizley on her new horse Whin who was seen jumping a 4 foot wooden gate with an equal drop.

For some the day provided an opportunity to try out horses new to hunting and Rebecca Davies on a horse, half brother to Glen, one of the Masters horses, was pleased with her young mount.

With horses tired and riders replete the Field hacked back to Troed yr aur for hot dogs and cakes, where congratulations were passed between riders on jumping some big fences and craic about the Master losing his seat !

 

Sunday 23rd Oct.- CHILDREN'S MEET at Nant-y-croi,

Nestled between Cardigan Island and Mwnt, this family farm always a popular venue because of the excellent hunting, good viewing, stunning scenery and warm hospitality, provided a day aimed at giving Children a taste of riding to hounds.

Lines were laid in fields around the farm house and either side of the farms main lane to enable lead reins to follow easily and participate in the hunt. Hounds hunted in full view, much to the delight of foot followers and the music from these Thomas hounds could be heard over the calls of guillemots and the sea breaking on the rocks beneath.

Dewi Evans hunting his pony Beauty for the first time with his sister Carys on her new pony Shan were led on foot by proud mum and dad, Eurig and Jane Evans. Carys wanting to go faster was handed over to experienced hunter and Ferm Factor contestant Debbie Phillips and had her first canter behind hounds in the Field. Meanwhile, 4 year old Llyr Davies had to stand up in his stirrups on his pony Cassie at times, to see sister Shauna in the Field, but was made up when he won best turned out boy, judged by Eifion James.

8 year old Ellie May Tromans riding Strawberry and now in her second season could be seen kicking on, under the gentle encouragement of mum Wendy. Emily Hughes , Field Master on the day and assisted by 8 year old Charley Thomas, gave everyone a steady, safe and enjoyable time, while 9 year old Matthew Coventry, growing in experience took the role of 1^st Whip. Best turned out girl was Natasha Dean, judged by Jo Dean (unrelated). The day ended with smiles all round over bangers and beans, jelly and ice cream and stories of their days hunting being talked about until bedtime.

  

 

Halloween Meet @ Bryn Haul

Haunting the Frenni’s

Invited back to the family farm of the Edwards, near Tegryn, the appearance of the West Wales Farmers Bloodhounds was in true Halloween theme with skeletons, devils, draculas and witches mounted and ready to haunt the three spirits from the Cardigan Running Club.

  

Over night rain spooked the first line, planned across farm jumps and the Field were spirited straight up onto the Frenni Fach. Hounds, not phased by the sight of their following spoke as of old, before being taken up onto the Frenni Fawr, where the hunt enjoyed views over Pembrokeshire and all the way back to Cardigan. Horses now weary after their gallop to the summit took a more gentle line back towards Glog quarry as the mountain’s mist rolled in. As dusk fell the Field returned satisfied with their days hunting to a cauldron of home made cowl, bread and cakes to feed their weary souls, kindly provided by Rose and Colin Tinker. A special Halloween Cake was made by Vicki Haines.

　Best turned out Dracula went  to Matthew Coventry with the Davies and Phillip's families winning best witches.

　

   

6th Nov. Gilwen Bungalow Meet

A strong field of hunters ready for a days jumping and crossing country behind hounds set out from the farm yard. The first line of open fields allowed horses a good blow before entering tighter country. With hounds on form and hunting their live quarry well, the three Cardigan Club runners set a challenging course to hunt. Field Masters, Katie Hall and Vicky Haines took the Field over various obstacles, including streams, banks and hunt jumps on offer, with horses jumping well in the line. Some great displays of jumping from local riders Delyth Hutchins, Rachelle Nunn and Ruth Williams

At 2.00 pm hounds returned to open country and ran towards Pant y bwlch . A last short line was run with hounds catching their quarry and with days shorting a good hack back to Gilwen Bungalow completed the day. The days hunting was retold over soup and home made cakes upon return with congratulations passed to Gordon and Mary Thomas on their 40^th wedding anniversary that day.

Opening Meet of the Cambrian Drag Hounds

A dozen horses from the Bloodhounds made their way to Pont Hennri, nr. Llanelli to show their support for this new hunt and received a warm welcome to this new country. The day did not disappoint, with many hunt jumps on offer and a variety of terrain, the Bloodhounds could be seen tucked in behind Master Graham Smith clearing many of the larger jumps. Kate Bizley taking a break from whipping in, enjoyed the thrill of  the chase and fun of jumping in the line on her new mount. While Katie Hall and Emily Hughes, accompanied by Andy Ryder,  showing the rest of the Field how to jump with style. Many of the hunt jumps were inviting and of good size and young hunt enthusiast Shauna Phillips grew in confidence under the gentle guidance of mum Debbie, as the day went on.

Enjoying the Field, nine year old Mathew Coventry could be seen jumping alongside Master Robert Thomas often competing to see who was over first.

The day was enjoyed by all with everyone looking forward to the Joint Meet at Strady Castle, Llanelli.

20th Nov. @ Blaen Bran 

Delighted to be invited back to Blaen Bran, the Bloodhounds had a specially designed course by the Roworth family over which to hunt. The Field had the choice of a number of obstacles to jump, catching out a few, before moving up onto nearby common and woodland. The Field was of mixed experience and for Graham Hacking it was the first time hunting, having learnt to ride in the summer.

Experienced hunter Rachel Fish gave a lead to a number in the Field, while ex team chaser Jan Harrison and Field Master Katie Hall showed everyone how best to cross the country. 8 year old, Abbey Painter was often seen up at the front showing potential for the future. While staying at the back of the Field, as it was his first time out hunting, was one of the stallions from the Pembrokestud Irish Draughts.

Foot followers had some good views of hounds hunting, but depending on their position, the valley held the voice of these bloodhounds, only to be heard by a few. Meanwhile, on the moor land those mounted had full view and ear of this packs music and where hounds hunted the heather and grasses, only the familiar black and tan sterns could be seen.

Hounds on the final line worked more studiously allowing the younger members of the field to be brought forward to watch and learn how hounds hunt.

The day ended with a full hunt supper provided by Julia Roworth and Delyth Hutchins. Debbie Phillips, first whip for the day, describing her enjoyment of being at the front, behind hounds.

A big thank you to the Roworth Family for their generosity and a  great day !

 

Penllwyndu Meet

Bloodhounds received a true welsh hospitality at this family run pub. With numbers depleted, the hunt moved off towards Penparc using grass tracks and paths to get to farms on the east side of the village.

Runners Jason and Jane Wilkins, with Hilary Mc Carthy from the Cardigan Running Club set a good pace, occasionally deviating from the main paths to tease hounds and give the Field an opportunity to view hounds hunting.

Crossing the main road in Penparc the terrain opened as hounds were put in to hunt stubble fields, giving hunters a true feel of The Chase. Jo Dean, occasionaly leading the Field, on her black appaloosa gelding Jack, while young hunter Celyn Evans, riding well, kept pace on Monty, allowing her sister Sioned the opportunity to hunt the return lines back to the Penllwyndu. Foot followers got some good views of hounds as they hunted and heard the music from these black and tans as they spoke on the scent.

Back at the pub and amongst the hwyl, talk was of the weather this time last year and hope that the weather stay mild, as the hunt looks forward to its Boxing Day meet in Cardigan at the Black Lion, moving onto the Guild Hall, with the Mayor attending to receive a donation to her chosen charity.

MOUNTAIN GATE, CRYMYCH

 

Sunday 4th December saw the Bloodhounds at Mountain Gate, Crymych. The three Cardigan Running Club members knowing the mountain well, ran lines that twisted, turned and doubled back in order to loose hounds, but this pack could not be out foxed. The wet weather had left the ground slippery under foot and the first line saw the Field take it steady across open ditches and stone walls until horses found their feet and better going.

 

  

 

The second line had the Field climbing the open hill at a steady canter in order to catch up with hounds. The Field was a good mix of experienced and first time hunters including a stallion from the Pembroke Stud. Hunt member, Andy Ryder recovered well from his grey stumbling, but unfortunately, lost a shoe causing him to retire for the day. Melissa Davies, having grown up by the mountain could be seen jumping every obstacle, while uncle, Geraint Davies, who farmed the mountain enjoyed the role of whip on one of the hunt horses. Wind and hail forced the runners to take shelter amongst rocky outcrops where hounds marked to ground, much to the delight of the Field, who were able to observe this pack at every stage of the hunt. With the weather worsening, home was blown at 3.35 pm and the day ended with soup and hot drinks for everyone, kindly provided by Debbie Phillips.

 

 

Sunday 11th December

 

It was a difficult call for Masters but the right one. The days hunting was to be across open farmland with river crossings and as the rain continued to fall heavily the Bloodhounds decided not to hunt.

The risk of damage to horse and land was too great, with ground sodden and rivers swollen.

 

It is most unusual for the hunt not to proceed but given the conditions, hounds would have struggled to hunt the scent and so instead were taken out on hound exercise. Wearing all weather exercise sheets, hunt horses rode out with this pack of black and tans tucking in behind the Master's horses heels for shelter against the driving rain. Hounds and horses appreciated the seven mile hack despite the adverse weather conditions, recognising the need to maintain fitness for the forthcoming festive hunt meets, which sees the Bloodhounds back in Cardigan at the Guild Hall on Boxing Day and Hammet House (Castel Malgwyn), Llechryd for their New Year Meet. Donations from both meets going to local charities.

 

 

Sunday 18th December 2011

This time last year saw a very different country scene where snow and ice had stopped all hunting for some 6 weeks before the festive break. Not the case this year as the preseason hunting kicked off with a short hack to the first lines. Hunters ready for a days jumping and crossing country behind hounds, set out from the Pant y bwlch Square.  With hounds on form and hunting their live quarry well, the three Cardigan Club runners, including veteran runner Gordon Ormes set a challenging course to hunt. Field Masters, Katie Hall and Vicky Haines took the Field over various obstacles, including streams, banks and hunt jumps on offer, with horses jumping well in the line. Some great displays of jumping and horsemanship from younger riders Mathew Coventry and Ruth Williams, while eight year old Charley Thomas graduated to her first full three star hunt.  Mother and daughter partnership Debbie and Shauna Phillips on their native Welsh section ponies demonstrated how easily the variety of terrain offered by each line could be crossed. Home was blown at 16.20 with everyone exchanging Christmas cards and best wishes over home made cowl and mince pies.

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

 

 

 

 

Boxing Day Hunt raises money for Mayor's charities

 

Crowds of local townspeople and country folk turned out at the Guild Hall, Cardigan to see the traditional Boxing Day Meet of the West Wales Farmers Bloodhounds. After receiving the Stirrup Cup at the Black Lion Hotel the Mayor lead the hunt to the Guild Hall for speeches. Master Robert Thomas spoke of the benefits of maintaining hunting and the type of hounds used. The rough coated hounds seen in the pack as similar to those that would have been used for hunting in the Castle's history. The Mayor spoke about the hunt and its' contribution to local charities, with the day's donation going to her own charities, Cardigan Cancer Care and Mayor's Apprenticeship Fund. Speeches concluded by thanking farmers and land owners for allowing the hunt over their ground and also for the support from local police.

As Masters were about to move off, a local farmer who had given permission for the hunt to pass over his family farm that day, handed Master Robert Thomas mole grips and hack saw should he not be able to get through. Such is the generosity and hospitality experienced from the local farming community. 

The hunt moved up towards New Mill Road and hunted lines laid by the three Cardigan Runners, across country to Mwnt, The Field, made up of various experience enjoyed the open fields, allowing thrusters to take a more daring pace, while others took direct routes. Jason James, accompanying his niece was one of many families out to enjoy their days hunting and the day did not disappoint.

 

The Mayor and many others from the Guild Hall followed the hunt out to Mwnt where a display of hounds hunting  was presented to everyone. Debbie Phillips, first whip for the day, was sent out on point, as the three runners ran up over the foel. Hounds were laid on and could be seen to cast, check, then speak on the line, disappearing over the skyline. Breathes were held until the lead hounds appeared, silhouetted against the skyline, the pack now in full cry, caught their quarry, much to the delight of everyone. The Field returned to Cardigan, across coastal farms, hunting laid lines in the back drop of Cardigan Bay and this most beautiful part of the West Wales coast. Home was blown at 16.15 with everyone returning to the warm hospitality of the Black Lion.

 

 

New Year's Day Meet 2012

 

Out with the old and In with the New as the Bloodhounds hunted from Hammet House, Llechryd on New Year's Day, with the Mayor of Cardigan, Catrin Miles and her Consort Graham, wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous 2012. Masters lead the Field down the driveway from the house, as in generations before them, to hunt the river meadows of the famous Teifi river, all the way to Abercych.

 

Foot followers were able to travel alongside the Field, as if part of it, and were in full view of the Chase most of the time. . Going on the river meadows was soft to heavy in places but this did not deter runners, Gordon Orme, Hilary Mc Carthy and  Jane Wilkins, who provided some challenging lines. Hounds were on form and in hot pursuit, the music from this black and tan pack could be clearly heard over the Teifi river, in flood from the recent heavy rain. Hunters had to read the terrain to pace horses, if they were to last the day. An easy task for hunt farriers Gary O'Grady and Dan Scullion who had swopped their pointers for hunters, for the day. It was also a different days riding for international show jumper Rhiannon " Mini" Coleman  on Gabanna who kept pace up front with Janet Nunn on her ex chaser and Field Masters Vicky Haines and Katie Hall.

 

The day provided  for families too, with Graham and Nikki Hacking, enjoying the experience of the hunt and for proud dad Mathew Tromans, watching daughter Ellie May hunting her new pony Trigger. Home was blown at 16.10 with riders and foot followers returning to the hotel for five star treatment and "craic" about the day's hunting, over chef's cowl.

 Photos from the day can be viewed on www.topmarks photography.com  

 

 

 

 

Sunday 8th Jan at Penrhiwdilfa on Llanllwni Mountain  

  

 

 

 

  

By kind invitation of the Organ family, Penrhiwdilfa, the Bloodhounds hunted on Llanllwni Mountain. With Pointers joining the Field, the day was to test the stamina of hunters against the pace of the Pointers. An ideal opportunity to see the agility and fitness of the Pointers in readiness for the forthcoming Point to Point season. Visibility was down to 500 metres as the runners headed off towards the Mast. Hounds were laid on and soon picked up their scent, taking the Field at gallop up "yr rasus " , and providing a a short sprint for openers. Runners, Hilary Mc Carthy and Jason Wilkins, next set off down towards the Cattle Grid. The music from the black and tans filling the air as visibility improved to view hounds as they worked across the heather and sheep tracks, the terrain providing lots of natural obstacles to jump and ideal viewing for foot followers travelling alongside. The second line provided a 3 mile chase which saw Pointers taking hold and moving through to the front of the Field. Jockeys struggled to pull up, and took their horses round as hunters slowed to watch hounds disappear into a deep ravine, finding the most direct and safe route to keep pace with hounds. The day opened up and Pointers settled into their days hunting, Field Master Katie Hall, leading the Field, made full use of gorse bushes, ditches and streams, often with Pointers in close pursuit. The hunt next moved over to Llanfihangel, Rhos y Corn (Finger Post) and hunted back towards Penrhiwdilfa giving the Field a real sense of hunting the open common, whilst providing good views over Brecfa Forest. A most satisfying day was had by all with some 16 to 18 miles covered in total. Everyone was ready when home was blown at 16.55.

Hunt Ball tickets are now available. Please see Events Page for details.

 

 

   

Hunt Farrier and Point to Point Jockey Gary O'Grady is given a hand on with his boots, while Master Graham Smith gets help from a foot followers pick up to get back on !

 

 Sunday 22nd Jan. Penrallt Hotel, Aberporth

 

 

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