Meeting at : Manor Farm, Droop
Today we went to see how the BSV were behaving and the long and short of it is ….. worse than Saturday minus the delightful terrier boy. Leaving the meet just after 11.30am the hunt headed towards Cockrow Copse. We had a good view of them from the road where there were 2 pairs of riders waiting on point to turn any fleeing foxes back towards the hounds. After drawing this area the hounds were gathered and came up onto the road, one hound had got left behind and was howling.
From here Doggrell took the hounds to an un named copse west of Boywood Farm. The usual knuckle draggers were hanging around down by Cannings Court and a foot team went in to make the area safe. Doggrell then took the hounds to Short Wood and with lots of support watching from the hill the hounds were cast through the wood. Sabs were watching and observed a fox break and run east. Quickly back in our vehicle and heading North towards Star Farm with the hounds on our left we tried to pull in by Boywood Farm when Edward Doggrell and his little helper rode their horses at our vehicle. Then when back on the road proceeded to hold us up by blocking the road all the way to Povert Bridge Farm. Not only was he holding us up but most of the support too …. he really isn’t very bright !! Edward aka the rural genius and his friend went in at the farm and we carried on to put a foot team in by Povert Bridge. The horn was used to lift the hounds head and Edward aka the rural genius and his friend cantered their horses at sabs. Some words were exchanged and as much as we try to persuade him not to use his trusty steed as a weapon he is just too much like his old man.
It was at this point we discovered some monitors were also in the area and we were extremely pleased to see them and be able to start communicating with them, the huntsman had been on the move all day and it was hard work keeping up with him today…. but whilst he is running he is not full on hunting ! A huge thanks and respect to these monitors.
The hounds came out onto the road and were put back in at Fir Tree Farm and the hounds picked up at Stivvicks Bridge. A foot team went in at Park Gate and headed in that direction. The hounds came down and past the sabs towards the road and then picked up again down by Park Gate. This line took them back in the direction of Stivvicks Bridge and sabs used the gizmo as they passed them but to no avail although this line was lost and they soon came back past the sabs again. There were two cows in the field that were scared and running around.One hound was observed to have a lot of blood on it but we are pretty sure it was from a cut on its ear. Several of the riders asked sabs if we would like to hold the gate open for them, as generous of an offer that was, we declined. After heading down to the road hunt and with light fading fast they packed up for the day.
We can’t be sure of that foxes fate because the rural genius was holding us up.
If you want to come and join us please email dorsethuntsabs@riseup.net or send us a PM.
