Our outdoor events season began on Saturday, 9 May, with a brilliant day at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials. Countryside Alliance members and supporters were welcomed to our hospitality area on the cross-country course at this iconic Gloucestershire event which was won by Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo for a record third time after they put in a magnificent show jumping round to close the competition on Sunday.
Situated near fence 29, the Countryside Parallel, visitors enjoyed refreshments and took the opportunity to watch the thrilling cross-country action from our seated area. Aside from enjoying a peaceful spot to relax by the course, there was also an opportunity to see the RAC Beagles and the Duke of Beaufort’s hounds, which were on display in two hound pens situated in a shady area behind the members’ area.
“We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers and others who enabled us to enjoy another fabulous day at Badminton,” explained Polly Portwin, Director for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance. “We thank Badminton for this opportunity to meet so many of our members and supporters face-to-face and to answer any questions they have about the Future for Hunting campaign and our other important campaigning work.
“Our thanks also go to those from the RAC Beagles and the Beaufort Hunt for giving up their time to enable so many visitors of all ages to see their hounds up close, and to the wonderful volunteers who assisted us with serving teas and coffees. It really is a team effort and we look forward to returning again next year.”
Members of the Alliance team now head to Warter Priory, where the world-class shooting estate, set in the heart of East Yorkshire, is hosting a two-day clay shoot in support of the Countryside Alliance and the Special Reconnaissance Regimental Association.
Our attention then turns to the start of the major hound shows, with the South of England Hound Show at Ardingly next on the calendar. The Alliance looks forward to supporting two days of hound showing, with the judging of foxhounds on Friday 5 June and beagles on Saturday 6 June.
For full details of other events that we will be supporting this summer, including the Future of Hunting Festival of Hounds, please click here.