MEMBERS of the Vine and Craven Hunt and their supporters gathered in Lambourn for what they hoped would be their last Boxing Day meet under the hunting ban.
About 40 riders and many more supporters of all ages convened opposite Windsor House Stables, Crowle Road, to meet the horses and hounds and enjoy a glass of port.
The Hunting Act 2004 banned hunting wild mammals, including foxes, with dogs and since then, participants have had to follow a scent laid out for the hounds, rather than a fox, which is known as drag hunting.
President of the Vine and Craven Hunt, Peter Walwyn, said the ban caused unnecessary stress for those organising hunts.
“I don’t enjoy watching football on Boxing Day, but I let other people get on with it,” he said.
“Hopefully, we will get a repeal of the Hunting Act if we get a Conservative Government after the next election, but we’ll have to wait and see.” He added that he had seen no protesters at the hunt.
The cold weather was not a problem for the hunters, who completed their course through the surrounding countryside.
“They had a nice hack around the paddock before they went off,” added Mr Walwyn. “There was no lack of enthusiasm and they had a good day out, even though it was quite cold.”
By-standers lined Lambourn High Street to watch the hunt leave.
To view more pictures of the hunt, click on the picture link below.