Inspiration in the field with Polly Portwin

Ambassadors for hunting can come in many guises, says Polly Portwin in this article from our membership magazine, My Countryside.

Whether it was our first ever school teacher, a relative or a famous sportsman that we admired, we can all think of somebody that has been an influence on our character, behaviour or perhaps even our style. As in most walks of life there are inspirational individuals within the hunting world who have had such an impact too, having earnt respect and perhaps unknowingly become an ambassador for hunting. The impression they make may last for decades or could just be a passing phase, but on some people, they will leave an indelible mark that could shape their careers or fuel a lifelong passion for following hounds.

Much can be written about famous masters and huntsmen from bygone eras who are still held in the highest esteem. The late Captain Ronnie Wallace, whose name is synonymous with foxhunting [he passed away in 2002 before the Hunting Act 2004 was passed] was uncompromisingly dedicated to his role as a Master of Foxhounds, had an affinity with hounds and was widely respected. He had a huge influence over a number of young men who also went on to become amateur huntsmen including Nigel Peel and Alastair Jackson as well as now-renowned hound breeding aficionado Martin Scott. These in turn all continue to play their part in finding future generations to carry the horn.

Huntsmen such as Frank Freeman (Pytchley 1906-1931) and Michael Farrin (Quorn 1968-98) are two names that today's professionals yearn to hold a candle to, many dreaming about gaining a reputation themselves that lasts decades beyond their tenure at any pack. However, for many hunt staff, their hunting heroes are often those from whom they have learned, those who have imparted their knowledge and helped them to develop their own skills on the hunting field.

Tom Wright, huntsman of the Cheshire Forest – the pack that won the inaugural Trail Hunting Hound Trials which took place in VWH country recently – wasn't born into hunting but expressed his gratitude to two huntsmen who have helped him so far in his career. "Will Goffe [huntsman of the Warwickshire] taught me the rights and wrongs of everything and I'm deeply grateful for that and also to Adam Essom [Morpeth], who allowed me an insight into his different style of hunting hounds and his outside-of-the-box way of thinking," explains Tom.

Former huntsman, Patrick Martin, himself highly regarded throughout his long career in hunt service but also in his role as the hunt staff liaison officer for the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA), the governing body for hunting with hounds, recalls those who had an impact on him: "I was very lucky to be able to listen and learn from the likes of Brian Gupwell from the Duke of Beaufort's and Tim Langley at the Berkeley, then Albert Buckle, Charlie Johnson and Bryan Pheasey at the Bicester who were all willing to share their knowledge and the history of how hunting has evolved to where we are today."

Just as influential, but perhaps not as widely acknowledged as in the foxhound world, there have been those who have a huge impact in beagling too. Matthew Higgs, master of the Trinity Foot and South Herts Beagles and vice chairman of the BHSA, who cites Sir Newton Rycroft, founder of the Dummer Beagles as one such example, explained that many beaglers have been "hugely influential within their own pack on a local level" and that in those circles they are just as highly regarded as others who might have reached higher levels of fame.

Education and passion

Masters, hunt officials and hunt staff are not the only ones who look to others to learn from. Children hunting on ponies, newcomers and even those who have hunted all their lives look for guidance, respecting those who are able to educate them whilst introducing them to the fun that can be had on the hunting field.

Some of those following hounds today grew up doing so, often accompanying their inspirational grandmothers or other relatives who imparted their wisdom and shared tales of incredible hunts. Sadly though, there are some who may not have lasted long enough to realise the joy of following hounds across country, perhaps being put off by an over-enthusiastic pony as a child or a newcomer admonished publicly by an over-zealous – but well-meaning – secretary over a minor misdemeanour when a quiet word in their ear would have sufficed.

Newcomer Rob Coleman, who took up hunting just 12 months ago, recognises many people who have assisted him during his steep learning curve from complete novice to somebody who now subscribes to and hunts regularly with the Royal Artillery. But it is a lady who he hired horses from who he recognises as "being instrumental in educating and encouraging" him, assisting with his equestrian skills whilst also imparting vital hunting advice and anecdotes.

It may not even be a living being of the human, horse or hound variety that is the key to inspiring some of the generation currently following hounds, whether mounted or on foot. In today's world so many live their lives through the spectrum of social media, looking at images of idyllic lifestyles with aspirations to achieve perfection in all aspects of their life.

The increase of hunting photographers at meets who often wait behind the widest of hedges provide the modern-day equivalent of the "Kodak moment". The difference being today that at the touch of a button these can be reproduced digitally in a format to share instantaneously on Instagram or other social media platforms for all to see.

Elegant ladies on the hunting field have always been admired but over recent years, there has been a resurgence of ladies riding side-saddle with many specific days dedicated to letting these valiant ladies lead the way. Ladies-only days have proved increasingly popular too, offering great excitement and camaraderie, with often-glamorous and highly skilled female field-masters leading the way to inspire the field. Tales and images from these days are shared widely across social media, bringing people together but also making others want to be a part of it too.

As well as educational material compiled by the Alliance such as newcomers' guides, much has been learnt too through the development of a countrywide network of Social Media Administrators who are responsible for their own hunt's – or group's – online presence. Both the fun and educational posts shared through these channels have brought many hunt communities closer together, particularly during the early period of lockdown when face-to-face interaction was not permissible.

For many people it is a combination of individuals and factors which influence their hunting habits. What is certain, though, is that inspirational ambassadors for hunting – in whatever form they may take – who are passionate about following hounds and prepared to share their knowledge and encourage others to experience the joys of hunting, must be truly cherished.