As we set off on Monday morning to find Eggesford Hunt at their meet at Garland Cross, on the road between Kings Nympton and Romansleigh, we were filled with hope that the hunt might actually cancel. After weeks of very wet weather the ground was already completely sodden. The high winds and driving rain would surely make trudging through muddy fields on a horse even more unpleasant. Our hopes were dashed when we found a handful of bloodjunkies parked up at this roadside meet.
If they hunt, we sab! We soon located hounds, huntsman and a couple of bedraggled riders at Great Lightleigh, where they were drawing pheasant pens and cover crops south of the farm. A few support vehicles were dotted around on the nearby roads, although in these conditions we really doubt they would have seen or heard much at all. One of the riders, Lloyd Heard, made the sensible decision to box up early and head home after an hour, while huntsman Jason Marles and his pack carried on north in direction of Huxford.
Sabs located hounds drawing a field of thick scrub. Upon seeing sabs, Jason called hounds back and moved them on at speed to the east. The next hour was spent tracking their paw and hoof prints in the mud as the hunt made their way along some stream valleys and out towards Huxford Bridge.
By 2.30pm this ensemble of bloodjunkies were back at the meet, packing up.
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