THE TUMBLERS’ CLUB
Last season was my first back in the hunting saddle for several years. The most noticeable thing? The sheer number of pictures one can produce of a hunting day. I may have jumped a six-foot hedge back in 2005 (with a following wind) but the only photographic memento of my previous hunting incarnation is a brace of pictures, one taken cantering on the flat and the other of my bottom disappearing over a hedge. Neither is flattering nor wall-worthy.
The modern hunting field is alive with photographers, which makes judging The Pol Roger Tumblers’ Club an easy (if wincemaking) job. After a convivial discussion the panel of judges – Pol Roger UK business development director Paul Graham; threeday-event rider Harry Meade; Polly Portwin, head of the Countryside Alliance’s hunting campaign; and myself – judged Barry Johnson to be the top tumbler for 2016/17.
Johnson, and hunter Carlo, came a cropper on a Hurworth Saturday in North Yorkshire. His spectacular dismount was captured by Amy Fair of Hurworth Photography; the subsequent winding and several broken ribs didn’t deter him from venturing out with the Zetland the following Monday.
Highly commended went to Dave White, out with the Kimblewick and photographed by Greg Knight (Rural Shots Photography), and Jordan Jeffrey, caught sliding off while following the Cheshire Drag (photographed by Al Johnston Photography).
The presentation to the top tumbler – and the photographer who caught the moment – of a magnum of Pol Roger and crystal tankard is to take place at Burghley Horse Trials (31 August to 3 September).
Entries for The Tumblers’ Club 2017/18 will open at the start of the season and run to the end. Until then, hold hard and sit tight.