2009 - 2010 SEASON
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BOXING DAY 2009 - GUILD HALL, CARDIGAN
Most of Britain's Boxing Day Hunt Meets were cancelled or went on foot, due to the treacherous icy conditions, but remarkably the coastal farms of Cardigan Bay had escaped and the West Wales Farmers Bloodhounds were able to meet.
2008 saw the return of the Hunt Meet to Cardigan and this year even more people turned out to support the Hunt.
The day started at the Black Lion Hotel which was once the home of the town's hunt from 1736, by kind invitation of Peter and Ann Phillips owners of the Black Lion Hotel, where horses and local dignitaries enjoyed the traditional Stirrup Cup. and refreshments, to see them through the day.
Master Robert Thomas was offered to drink form the Stirrup Cup, some 150 yrs old, which would have been used to serve many Masters in years gone by.
The Hunt then moved up to the Guild Hall where crowds had gathered to hear the speech made by the Mayor of Cardigan, Mark Cole.
The charity donation from the day was to the charity of the Mayor's choice, which this year is Cardigan Castle.
The hunt left town on New Mill Road and hounds spoke well around Capel Farm. A short hack towards Mwnt, where crowds had gathered to see hounds hunting around the foel and nearby farms. Runner Mark Kallenberg was able to find his own way from Mwnt to Nant y croi, with hounds struggling to cross the fence lines and work out his twisted laid line. Hounds continued to hunt for a further half an hour, along the cliff tops and coast line.
Home was blown at 3.45pm and horses hacked back to town, just in time to find the Black Lion Hotel still open
NEW YEARS DAY 2010
A return of the Hunt to the Ffostrasol Arms, Ffostrasol.
Despite the frosts of the previous week a number of hunt enthusiasts turned out in support. With
the offer of some fine hunting the field moved off towards the Mast.
Hounds were laid on, working to pick up the scent. The rising warm air from the afternoon's sunshine providing excellent scenting conditions and hounds screamed through open fields to the delight of foot followers. Setting the pace for the day, the field moved round towards the forestry meeting some ice on the road, causing a delay in catching the hounds.
Hunt jumps which normally would have been cleared at the gallop were climbed and banked as the frost had left the landing hard in places.
Riders had to use their iniatiative when negotiating this particular country and were therefore off the pace in seeing hounds hunt.
The field next moved down towards Rhydlewis and had some excellent runs through Rhydlewis Trout Smokery and Gwernant Farm.
Having travelled some 5 miles and with hounds hunting towards Brongest, phone calls were made for boxes to be brought up to Cwmdu, near Newcastle Emlyn.
Mark Kallenberg, running as if for Wales, chose lines through Dolgoch Farm and across to Dolgian going into woodland below Penrallt Hebog.
Hounds could be heard up ahead and as the field turned into woodland the dark shaddows of snow laden clouds could be seen behind, with clear blue skies ahead.
The hunt pressed on with further hunt fences presented and jumped clear in the frost free woodland, before the field followed hounds through Dinas Ceri Farm, as the first flakes of snow of the New Year fell.
The hunt finished at Cwmdu, with a warm stirrup cup for all, as the ground started to turn white.
Horses were walked out of Cwmdu and boxed at the top, near Rama Farm, with 2 horses remaining overnight, under the kind hospitality of the Davies family.
2010 had begun with some fine hunting with hounds speaking, leading the field from low mountain woodland and nearly the full length of the Ceri river.
The day concluded with cowl back at the Ffostrasol Arms, 4x4's permitting.
(There are rare occasions when the Masters, Hounds and Field are held up, this day was one occasion. On the homeward hack to the last line, it happened ! When one hears the scream of the Hunts experienced Field Master and Hunt enthusiast Ms Debbie Phillips stop and dismount, for no apparent reason, just think Jaffa Cakes !)
Hunt Report after Hound Exercise through January
BLOODHOUNDS BACK HUNTING AFTER HOUND EXERCISE THROUGHOUT JANUARY
The first weekend of February saw the Bloodhounds back on hunting form with meets on both Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th February 2010. Meeting at The Cross Inn, Glandy Cross by kind invitation of proprietors Mr. and Mrs. Twigg, the field moved off towards Mynachlog Ddu.
After a short hack, hounds were laid on above Capel Farm, however, the winter sunshine presented a challenge for hounds, as they cast amongst the heather beds working hard to pick up the scent laid by local huntswoman, Debbie Phillips. This set the scene for the rest of the day, with Simon O'Dwyer, Whipper-in for the Kilkenny, introducing a young potential eventer, owned by the landlord of the Cross Inn, to the many obstacles this terrain offered.
Masters intended only to be out for a few hours, but got carried away by the scenery and the chance of hunting in this beautiful part of the country, getting back in time to see Wales put their first points on England at Rugby.
On Sunday 7th February, the hunt met at Llandyfriog and moved off through Llwyncadfor, up towards Bryngwenith Chapel, crossing the main road. A short hack took the field into the Parish of Brongest, where the next run led down through Dolgian Farm and across into Allt Fagwr. With hounds speaking better towards the end of the day, the last few lines were laid around Cwmdu. Home was blown at 16.15. Some horses walked home and others boxed back to the meet. Horses had covered 9.5 miles over challenging terrain with the option of 40 fences.
The Bloodhounds meet through to the end of April and details of meets, including the Hunt Ball and other planned events can be found on their website www.westwalesfarmersbloodhounds.com
VALENTINES DAY HUNT
Edward Cook popping the cork
Champagne and Strawberries served to all
By kind invitation of Julia Roworth, the Hunt held a Lawn Meet at Blaen-bran Farm, nr, Trefach Felindre . Champagne and strawberries replaced the traditional Stirrup Cup, before the field headed out below Moelfre. The first line took the field up over some rough grass and heather, offering the experience of jumping straight off the road, onto the laid line, behind hounds. Hounds hunted well on this rich common but with little voice. Turning left into some forestry, hounds could be heard in full cry. Although missing this part of the hunt, the field still experienced the richness and beauty of this local area.
Open fields were next offered up, as horses hunted through Blaen -bran Farm, with only a couple of tumblers, before heading north towards
Allt Boeth. The day ended with hounds working well on the lines skillfully laid by Mark Kallenberg through woodland, providing the field with some demanding terrain and some 50 natural jumps. Home was blown at 4.30 pm. The Hunt Ball is Saturday 27th February in the Emlyn Arms Hotel, hunting recommences Sunday 7th March at Mountain Gate.
WINTER HALF TERM CHILDREN'S MEET
With Kind Thanks to Gordon and Mary Thomas of Nant- y-croi, Ferwig.
The Children's Winter meet, bathed in sunshine in the back drop of Cardigan Island, saw two groups of young hunters emerge.
The first group, led by Julie Forester, riding a loyal friend's mount, Alex, followed Master Robert Thomas and Junior Whip, Sam Forester Evans across open fields behind hounds in full cry. The slurry covered fields did not stop this young pack, maturing fast, along with some up and coming future riders such as Emily Phillips.
A younger group were led jointly, by Liz Howells and Master Julie Hughes, with some fine displays of horsemanship coming from 9 yr old Shauna Phillips on her experienced hunting pony Cassie. First time riders - Richard Howells smiled constantly on his aunt's experienced hunter, Elle, and Annie Powells rode Beauty, while Charley Thomas could be viewed sitting some bucks from her mount Blenhiem Firecracker - Cracker for short.
Both groups met at the end of each line, athletically laid by Emily Hughes, taking the opportunity to ride out in front of the field and taking every chance to lose Hounds. It was the Otter Hound bitches, in front of this season's entered Blood Hounds however, that won over, this young field, as their tenacity, voice and drive proved most effective on this particular terrain.
Children also had the opportunity to visit donkey foals and hold terrier pups, before ending the day with the traditional Children's Hunt supper, of bangers beans and mash.
POPPIT SANDS, ST DOGMAELS MEET 7TH MARCH
DVD AVAILABLE £8.00 - OF THE DAYS HUNTING INCLUDING GALLOPS ALONG THE BEACH. KINDLY DONATED BY THE BIZLEY FAMILY TOWARDS THE HUNT'S CHARITIES
NEW MILL ROAD MEET 14TH MARCH
With a hint of Spring in the air, the Bloodhounds met on New Mill Road, kindly arranged by Mr.and Mrs. Paul and Trish Davies. The early Spring frosts and dry humidity of recent weeks made the landscape prairie like and presented challenging scenting conditions, but whereas in previous weeks the faster Otter hounds had taken the lead, this day saw the slower, more methodical noses of the Blood Hounds pushed in front.
The Hunt left the outskirts of town and headed north. Runner, Mark Kallenberg was dropped at Capel Farm and laid a first line of some two miles over fields, tracks and streams. Hounds cast, working hard to pick up the scent, but once found spoke loud and clear with the field in pursuit, getting an opportunity to hear and see hounds hunting, whilst negotiating fallen trees and open ditches.
The Hunt crossed Caemorgan Road, just short of the A487, then ran cross country behind Penparc village onto the Penparc, Ferwig road .
A short line was laid around some stubble fields followed by a brief hack back to Oernant Farm, where hounds had to run back over the same ground as their first line, to Capel Farm. Hounds were given their usual treat of biscuits and boiled liver, as a reward for a hard, hot day.
Seven and a half miles were covered with Home blown at 3.45pm.
EASTER FESTIVAL OF HUNTING
The Easter Festival of Hunting began with the Easter Monday Meet at Trewindsor, with kind permission of Mr and Mrs David and Polly Lloyd Owen, providing the ideal venue from which to hunt, in this area.
The first line gave the field a taste of pace and drive this unique pack of Bloodhounds and Otter Hounds provide, before crossing the main road, with the Hunt spending the rest of the day on the west side of Penparc, making the most of natural obstacles and differing terrain
The previous week had been very wet, however, the sandy loams around Penparc provided excellent going, even on the ploughed fields and the Field had some fast gallops to keep up with Hounds.
Lines were short but frequent, allowing some good views of hounds working and providing the field with excellent views across Cardigan Bay.
With special thanks to all the landowners for opening country not hunted by a mounted pack in some 30 years. Donation from this Meet to go to LATCH
CHILDREN'S MEET FRIDAY 9TH APRIL @ SHIRAL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, ABERCYCH
With the weather truly spring like, 31 avid future hunters waited patiently while best turned out were judged by Mrs. Carter and prizes handed out by Mrs. Glesni Evans. The traditional stirrup cup was passed around and Master Robert Thomas spoke of the importance of keeping the traditions of hunting alive, warmly welcoming many in the Field for whom this was their first time hunting.
Mums and Dads accompanied their children, either mounted or on foot and it was a delight to see so many, in particular the Evans family, of whom there were 3 generations present.
The Field had a healthy hack to the farm over which they would be hunting, allowing horses and ponies to settle and friendships to be made. Ellie May Tromans quickly adapted to her new pony, under the gentle guidance of her father and youngest in the field, Carys Evans stayed out until after the second line.
Field Master, Mrs. Donna Rooney ensured everyone was looked after, keeping the field at a steady pace and in control behind hounds, as for some it was the first time at the fast canter in open fields. It was with pride to see so many of the skills learnt in lessons, applied and come together, with many of the children and young people building confidence, after each laid line.
Max Huggins demonstrated his natural ability by galloping his new pony, while best friend Sam Forester Evans acted First Whip and Katie Dix demonstrated fine horsemanship throughout the day.
Home was blown at 3.30pm and the Field returned for hot dogs and cakes before receiving their Hunt Certificates.
Equestrian Photograper, Anthony Reynolds was present throughout the day and more photos can be found on his website www.anthony-reynolds.net/shows
Children's Meet is featured in May edition of "WELSH RIDER" pg 45
EASTER EGG HUNT SATURDAY 10TH APRIL @ FRONLAS ISAF
THIS WAS A UNIQUE OPPORTUINITY TO HUNT WITHOUT HOUNDS BUT INSTEAD ENJOY THE CHALLENGES OF CROSSING A RANGE OF SPECIALLY DESIGNED JUMPS TO HUNT FOR EASTER EGGS. GREAT FUN AND REALLY STRETCHING THOSE WHO HAD JUMPED ALL SEASON.
A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO DEBBIE PHILLIPS AND GERAINT DAVIES FOR PROVIDING A WONDERFUL VENUE, WELL PRESENTED COURSE AND LOTS OF CHOCOLATE !
£150 WAS RAISED FOR HUNT FUNDS
The Easter Festival of Hunting had ended with some great highs, amongst which had been starring on ITV Wales Tonight 6 o'clock news on both the 12th and 14th April on Carl Edwards coverage of election issues - "Battleground West Wales "
And as the Bloodhounds Season drew to a close there remained only two further meets before Closing Meet on 25th April in the Emlyn Mart Car Park.
Blaen Barcoed Meet , Cwmduad - 11th April 2010
With Thanks to Jane Hall, Katie and family the Hunt was offered a farmhouse welcome before a line of jumps were presented along the farm lane as the first line. Some fine displays of jumping from in particular , Wales' Showjumping Junior Gold Medalist, Rhiannon Coleman, could be viewed before the field disappeared from eye, into some local forestry.
The hunt country changed from hill farm to Canadian style scenery and the recent dry weather, with scent rising and evaporating, made hard work for the hounds. However, this young pack were not detered, with Bloodhounds leading the pack on the dry dusty lines and Otter Hounds actively working the damper lines on grass and lichens under trees.
Streams provided a welcome respite to both horses and hounds on this dry, warm day and having persued lines to their dead end, home was blown at 3.40 pm. The field returned having had a reasonable day despite the somewhat arid conditions to a light picnic, tea and lots of cakes.
NAG'S HEAD MEET - 18th April 2010
The penultimate meet of the season saw the field treated to a summer cocktail and hors' dourves by landlady of the Nag's Head, Sam.
The dry spring conditions continued and it was questionable whether hounds would hunt. The field hacked out towards Cilgerran before turning up through forestry. The conditions altered in the open forestry enough to allow the scent to hold sufficiently and the field experienced the deep voice of this combined Otter Hound and Bloodhounds pack.
The first line was a great pipe opener, followed by a short hack to the second line around fallow maize fields by the river Teifi. Then a series of lines around Penlan Farm saw the scent deteriorate and after another run around fallow maize fields, Master Robert Thomas withdrew hounds and the field took a final run through a further piece of forestry. Between lines horses and hounds had welcome breaks in the tributaries of the Teifi river, as well as the main river itself. Home was blown at 3.20 pm and cold drinks and roast potatoes were enjoyed by all on return to the Nag's Head.
End of Season Hunt - 25th April 2010
Ending the season where it had all began nearly 7 months previously, was a fitting way to finish the season. Masters had worked hard to extend the season by an extra month this year, but all seemed worth it, to see the increased fields of April, with nearly a 180 mounted riders just in the last month, joining the field.
The overnight rain and cooler conditions had everyone anticipating a 'screaming day' and the hounds did not disappoint.
The Stirrup Cup was served to the Masters and mounted field by the youngest hunt members Dewi and Carys Evans, assisted by Mum, Jane and Dad, Eirug.
After speeches and best turned out, were awarded to Emily Hughes and Julie Forester Evans, horses hacked through town, out to Pontceri and made their way cross country towards Cwmdu. This gave the field a perfect setting to have hounds in full view as they hunted the first line, but not for long as hounds were soon out of sight, leaving the field scrambling over timber fences, river crossings, gorse hedges, and BIG drop fences to catch them.......... but failed !
Mark Kallenberg, in training, for running Snowdon in 2 weeks had upped the tempo for this last day of the season and was giving hounds and horses the run of the season.
Second line, Master Huntsman gave him less of a sporting chance by giving him only 5 mins. to get away over the run of 1.5 miles, but again 'the Kallenberg' won !
Third line through woods saw 'the Kallenberg' lay an interesting line with sharp corners, leaving hounds to over run and check hard, giving the quarry time to win a third time.
Fourth line through Dolgoch Farm saw the sun come out and evaporate the scent, on the small lengths of hard track, so yet again 'the Kallenberg' gained another point!
A lift in a landrover gained our runner an extra 10 mins. to lay the fifth line and even with hounds at full stretch and running their best in two seasons, the fate was sealed and the score, at blowing for home, was 5 nil to 'THE KALLENBERG' who had rightfully earned his Brush and will from here on, be known as Mark Fox !
Upon return to town, everyone was treated to a home style barbeque by the Evan's family, allowing the day's hunting to be discussed with great craic over cups of tea laced with special liquid sugar tasting a lot like whiskey !
Every Best Wishes to the father and son team Mark and Mike Kallenberg for their forthcoming Snowdon run .
Taking a well deserved rest at Fferm Penrallt Hebog
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THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS MADE THIS YEAR A SUCCESS, TO THE LANDOWNERS AND FARMERS WHO HAVE ALLOWED US ACCESS AND TO EVERYONE WHO HAS HOSTED A MEET.
PLEASE KEEP CHECKING OUR EVENTS PAGE FOR SUMMER ACTIVITIES.
HUNTING BEGINS AGAIN IN AUGUST, WITH SUMMER HUNTING.
For information and photo's of last seasons hunting events, click on the links below
Hunt Reports from the 5th September - 20th December 2009
Hunt Reports 2008
