On Wednesday we sabbed the Torrington Farmers Hunt who met on the edge of Beaford Moor.
As we arrived, a tired-looking fox trotted towards and across the busy main road, indicating that the hunt were probably already drawing the valley around Down Farm. We ensured the fox was safe and then caught up with the hunt as they headed north via Roborough, crossing a lot of ground before casting hounds out in the valley between Lower Whitsleigh and Middle Barlington.
Kennel huntsman Jack Rowley, who has taken over the horn since huntsman Steve Craddock broke his leg a few weeks ago, got his horse stuck in deep mud as he headed west through the valley. Hounds flushed several deer in this area but otherwise drew blank.
Around Ramscliffe Farm more wildlife were seen fleeing from the woods, including a fox, but sabs were on hand to cover their scent. From here everything headed north and we lost the hunt for a while. They too seemed to lose most of their support and riders.
By mid-afternoon only Jack and the hounds remained, with Craddock watching on from the road.
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