Countryside Alliance welcomes showcase of hounds at The Game Fair

The Countryside Alliance is looking forward to celebrating hounds and hunting at this year's Game Fair which is being held from 29^th until 31^st July at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire.

Three packs of hounds - both foot and mounted packs – will parade in the main ring each day which will be accompanied by informative live commentary, including commentary from representatives of the Alliance's Campaign for Hunting team. The show will conclude with a cavalcade of hounds which will involve all the parading packs with the show's visitors invited into the main ring to meet the hounds and horses.

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance, praised the plans for this year's event: "Hound parades are an integral part of any country show, with visitors relishing watching and meeting hounds, whether for the first time or as a long-standing follower. We are delighted the Game Fair is truly showcasing this vital aspect of our countryside and communities and we look forward to meeting many of our members and supporters throughout the course of the show."

In addition to the action in the main ring, there will also be a further three packs exhibiting in the dedicated Horse & Hound area where visitors can meet hunt staff as well as viewing an exhibition of 30 different historic hunt buttons and coats dating from 1780s. Twice daily there will be a meet and greet session in the Horse & Hound ring where visitors can mingle with hounds and ask questions.

There will be an opportunity to find out about the many breeds and types of hounds, including foxhounds, beagles, bloodhounds and basset hounds plus there will be a fast and furious inter-hunt relay which will see teams of riders battle it out in a 'knock-out' style competition. Up to 12 teams of three riders, made up of two adults and a junior under 16 years old, will tackle eight jumps as fast as possible.

If you are attending the Game Fair this year, don't forget to visit the Countryside Alliance stand (number H166) which will be located next to the Game Fair Theatre.

If you haven't already, you can get your tickets for The Game Fair here, using code CA5APPEAL at checkout, to support the Countryside Alliance.

Current Gold Members of the Countryside Alliance are entitled to a free ticket to the Game Fair as well as to other events held throughout the year, including the Festival of Hunting being held on 20^th July at the East of England Showground. A great member benefit that you could be missing out on! To become a Gold Member today, call our membership line on 020 7840 9300.