On New years Day the Eggesford hunt met at their traditional new years meet in Zeal Monachorum hosted by the Waie Inn. If you feel inclined, leave them a review telling them what you think of them regularly hosting a bunch of animal abusing psychopaths. The hunt covered a lot of ground with multiple teams of sabs hiking across tough terrain.
To start they went west from the meet, towards Great Foldhay Farm and hounds immediately got onto the scent of a fox near Loosebeare. However sabs were able to rate hounds back and spray citronella to cover the scent. Almost immediately hounds were on a line again, this time of a hare, with huntsman, Jason Marles, blatantly encouraging hounds in front of sabs. Hares run in loops and the hounds covered a lot of ground, sadly we think this one didn’t make it despite the best efforts of sabs.
Marles then dismounted and drew the valley between Gissage Bridge and Nymphayes on foot, encouraging hounds into cover where foxes may be laying up. He continued east then south spending time drawing in and around Thorne, Oak Tree Farm and the Devonshire Heartland way. After a number of blanks Marles finally found a fox near Chaffcombe farm. With sabs able to cover the lines and rate hounds, this fox was given precious moments longer to escape the bloodthirsty huntsman.
To finish the day Marles decided to draw around the Devonshire Heartland Way again, using the popular walking trail for his sick, so-called sport. With sabs nearby to rate hounds back huntsman drew blanks, before rapidly turning east where he was able to put hounds on the line of a fox. Once again, sabs in the right place at the right time were able to intervene.
Throughout the day sabs were harassed by hunt support while on public roads and bridleways. Some of the support including Ant Allen and son Devon, pelted one sab team with rocks, though luckily no one was harmed, meanwhile another sab had a footpath gate slammed into her by Jason’s equally charming father, Chris Marles. Hunt riders also tried their usual nonsense of forcing their poor horses into sabs on public footpaths and blocking public roads.
After blowing for home Marles and his remaining support went back to the Waie Inn, before driving home completely sober, we are sure. Once again, let The Waie Inn know your thoughts about the type of people they host.
Undeterred by the mindless vandalism to our supporters’ car earlier in the week, they were out with a repaired car to help our sabs in spotting and monitoring the hunt.
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