Carmarthenshire hunt riders maintain their proud tradition

THE Carmarthenshire Hunt Club held its annual New Year’s Day Meet in Guildhall Square on Monday morning.

This was the 130th occasion the hunt had met in the square since its formation in 1889.

Although the day was slightly overcast, this did not stop the hunt’s supporters from attending to cheer the 71 riders as they made their way from Richmond Terrace, via Mansel Street to Lammas Street, where they paraded to the Guildhall, accompanied by the good wishes of the crowd.

A hunt spokesman said at a “conservative estimate around 600 people” attended the meet, as well as a number of people who were protesting against the hunt.

“The popularity of the hunt has not waned in the years since the Hunting Act became law in 2005,” the spokesman said.

“Since that time, we have conducted a trail hunt with the full support of farmers within the county.

“Our hunts are continually monitored and on no occasion have we been found to do anything but comply with the current legislation as it stands.

“We know that support for us within Carmarthenshire is very strong. The rural and farming communities are our strength and their help allows us to continue the traditions and enjoyment experienced by the generations of the past.”

At the start of the meet in Lammas Street, the riding members gathered outside the Boar’s Head Hotel, where landlady Meinir Hunter and her staff passed around glasses of warm punch and sandwiches to riders before they set off for a day’s trail hunting.