New masters ready to take up the reins

More than 50 new masters of foxhounds attended a special course held by the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) on Saturday 17 May at Stratford.

Eighty-four new masters will take up the reins with packs across the countryside this autumn, plus six who are returning to masterships after a break.

The day covered essential topics, such as hunting within the act, running a hunt country, looking after hounds and hunt horses and employment law, with expert advice from experienced masters and huntsmen, including Nigel Peel (North Cotswold), Ian Farquhar (Duke of Beaufort's) Tony Holdsworth (Beaufort) and MFHA director Tim Easby (West of Yore).

Tim said: "It is tremendous that there are so many new people coming forward to take up masterships. Being a master today is incredibly complicated so it is very encouraging that more than 50 came along to the course at Stratford."

Countryside Alliance director of campaigns Tim Bonner also spoke to the new masters. Speaking afterwards he said: "There was a great mix of people on the course from all over the country, some from traditional hunting backgrounds and others newer to the sport, but all were very keen to learn from the highly experienced masters present.

"Whatever you have done before in life there is nothing like being a master of hounds. Days like these show how vibrant and popular hunting still is even nine years after the Hunting Act."

For more information, contact Countryside Alliance head of media Charlotte Cooper on 0207 8409220 or email [email protected]