Having received a huge number of photos for our Tumblers' Club competition supported by Pol Roger Champagne, the entries have been vigorously studied and a decision made. Judged by a panel of hunting supporters including The Field's Ali Henson and three-day eventer Harry Meade, plus representatives from Pol Roger and the Countryside Alliance, it was a tough decision and a very closely fought competition. Thank you to everyone who entered. Congratulations to the winning photographer, Ella Meadows, and tumbler Sam Matthews, who will each receive a tankard and a magnum of Pol Roger champagne. Ella took this photo captioned "I would bend over backwards to continue hunting" on 14th December 2014 at a joint meet between the Weston and Banwell and the Taunton Vale Harriers.
Ella commented 'The day before I took this photo I wasn't very well in hospital, so against doctors orders I went hunting along with my camera to cheer myself up, so for me to have won this competition is quite simply amazing!'
Owing to the success of the competition we now hope to run it as an annual event so please look out for further details later in the Autumn. Please be assured that all horses and riders featured tumbling were unharmed.
Ella's winning entry (below)
Second place: Photographer Nollaig Hurley, Tumbler Colum O'Brien – Kingdom Hunt Club, Co. Kerry (below)
Third place; Photographer Paul Buddin, Tumbler Edward Carter – Bicester with Whaddon Chase country
Highly Commended; Photographer Adrian Cherry, Tumblers David Cross and David Gilmore
Highly Commended; Photographer Graham Dixon, Tumbler Roger Nixon