‘Hunts get to ride in the most breathtaking country, where ordinarily no rider could go’
As traditional as carols and mince pies, for some the Boxing Day meet is an immutable part of the Christmas calendar, a time when hunts wish to provide a spectacle for those who do not usually follow hounds. The Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray is no different to the more than 300 foxhunts who parade throughout the country, some in town squares, others in more built-up surroundings than they usually frequent.
In the case of this West Sussex pack, they are on their home turf, at the hunt kennels, walking (and trotting) distance from Petworth town centre. Hounds have been housed here since Lord Leconfield used to hunt six days a week in the 18th century. Now the hunt is out only two days a week, but support for the hunt in the 21st century remains strong in this unspoilt corner of southern England.
Some heading through the gates are first-timers, like the group from Spain who asked me where “to find the hunt”. Others have been coming here year after year. “I’ve hunted on Boxing Day on numerous occasions,” says Coco Clevely, 26. “It’s fantastic because it encourages people on their feet as well as on horses.”
Huntsman Sage Thompson knows that today is all about letting people get to know the hounds. One fouryear-old boy, Thor, is full of smiles as he is licked and nuzzled, and keeps coming back for more. Tom Wates, 16, whose sister Molly is riding, says: “It’s
‘It’s great to see so many people who come out to show their support on Boxing Day’