Gone to ground: Tally Ho Mike retires

After 20 years of selling high quality and traditional hunting items at hound shows and other countryside events, two well-known faces from the hunting world are hanging up their boots. Mike and Jane Davies, whose ever-popular trade stand Tally Ho Mike has been a regular feature across the country, have recently retired from attending shows.

“During this time we have forged a great relationship with the countryside community and developed detailed knowledge on the history of hunting and items used,” explained Mike. “It has also given us the opportunity to use our stand as an added attraction at shows.”

The experience they have gained over the years has enabled Mike and Jane to offer advice to those looking to buy specific items, whether that be a keen amateur huntsman, a professional member of hunt staff or an enthusiastic collector of hunt memorabilia. The success of Tally Ho Mike has also meant that they could support individual hunts and to make donations to the Hunt Staff Benefit Society.

“From hunt coats to antique hunting horns, vintage prints to hip flasks, Jane and Mike’s friendly and welcoming manner has meant that their distinctive stall has always attracted large numbers of potential customers,” explained Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance.

“Our own stand has often been located alongside or close to Tally Ho Mike at hound shows and no show would be complete without hearing various keen horn blowers trying out their selection of horns, trying to find their perfect match. We thank Jane and Mike for all they’ve done to support hunts and hunting over the years and wish them both a very happy retirement.”

Tally Ho Mike’s final appearance was at the Edenbridge and Oxted Show over the August Bank Holiday weekend but there are still some high quality stock items available, including a magnificent Victorian saddle horse which came out of Exbury House and once belonged to Edmund Rothschild, circa 1890.

Please contact either Mike or Jane Davies directly on 07748 650003 or 07881 095621 if you are interested in any of their remaining stock.