British Traditional Field Sports

Foxy Woxy

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 0:00:00 CST

Hunt the fox no more they say Our ancient rights consigned to dust They say it's harsh and cruel But is it what they really mean

Talk to the cow and her ritual knife Talk to the fowl and her cage for life What sense is this I say Tradition is the word they cry

The viscous orange wolf who seeks and kills the young and foal We must remember the words we use This cunning creature, wily beast, sly fox

Maybe prancing Reynard does And natures selection will prove us right. Darwin says the old and sick must die So this old law will still apply

With no fear the fox is king What now to check his might The danger now will soon be felt The untrained gun, the abandoned snare The poisoned land.

The men in suits that save this beast Care not about his bushy tail But more about the past This rigid stance rings more of hate The class war is here to stay.

Ben Mellor 4/10/04

Raynards Viewpoint

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 0:00:00 CST

I am now very worried - they are at it again - like a terrier after a rat!

They are going to attempt to push through Parliament 'their pet' Anti-Hunting Bill. I suppose, one can sympathise - after all their term in office has been an unmitigated disaster - more vandalism on the streets - drug peddlers and addicts, alcoholism and ever increasing unlawful handguns, undermanned police with their hands tied behind their backs because of human rights, animal rights, civil rights and children's rights to mention a few, with the result that crime in all it's forms is an every day occurrence.

The NHS is in a shambles through the United Kingdom.

To crown it all the United Kingdom is plunged into war on unestablished evidence and supposition. It is interesting to note that today, their have been no volunteers for the front from any of the Political Houses.

Perhaps, they may be allergic to sunburn!

So, it is not surprising that they have to return something for their debacle and being very 'democratic' as defined by Labour - go for the minority - the hunting fraternity, after all, the hunting, shooting and fishing sports, do not require any Government financial assistance, nor do they have hooligans as do the so called working man's sport, i.e. multi-million pound football clubs! The fact that such a ban will have a devastating effect upon the rural sections of the country apparently means nothing to them.

Infact, at present, I know I am in good health. I can out smart the hounds and live to hunt another day, in order the live. But when I become old, sick or injured and unable to hunt successfully, the hounds will catch me and give me an instant and honourable death. This is by far preferable to die of hunger or disease in a hole in the ground or drain. The proposed ban, should it become law, will mean that I will be subject to a variety of inhumane forms of control, such as strangulation by snare, mutilation by trapping, gassing and or poisoning, which depending on the dosage can be slow and extremely painful.

All these latter methods of so called control are distinctly inhumane.

Oh! Freedom of choice, liberty, tolerance, where art thou? Certainly not, with this present Government.

I pity you humans when you are governed by vote seeking and pathetic politicians. So different, from my animal world which is governed by survival of the fittest, tooth and claw.

Commander D. Steen

Standing up for UK Field Sports

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 0:00:00 CDT

Article published in the Scottish Farmer 14th June 2008 in

Farmer - Your View

STANDING UP FOR UK FIELD SPORTS

SIR, - Despite organised demonstrations to show that massive rural interest in countryside activities in the UK, of which Farming is just one aspect, organised by the Countryside Alliance, the government choose to ignore the feelings and the fears of the rural community.

In point of fact, the publications of www.Foxhuntingstories.co.uk has a reaction from the anti-hunting groups in terms of language which defies decency.

Inceasngly, it was observed that support from many parts of the globe, such as Italy and Russia for hounds, and surprisingly from a PhD sudent for guidance in the prepation for a thesis, along with requests from schools to take part in discussions on foxhunting, which were referred on to the Master of Foxhounds Association.

It is tragic to say that a governement such as we currently endure, is hell bent in systematically destroying the rural minority. The arguements are: a, the quarry is torn alive, which we all know is utterly fallacious and b, that we are a 'class' above everyone and in consequence we are outlawed.

www.BritishTraditionalFiedlSports.co.uk is a creation to further bind all countryside activities under one umbrella, this means the old adage 'together we stand, separately we fall' is very relevant.

Make no mistake, this is a very serious attempt to counter the appalling ignorance and stupidity of those who should know better, and that rural interests, commercial and otherwise, are not only maintained but also strengthened.

The hosting website is deliberately set up to encourage business relationships, particularly to the countryside, and therefore making these activities more resilient in this currently political climate.

Commander D. Steen.

CONTACT: enquiries@BritishTraditionalFieldSports.co.uk

Picture 1. Charter Signing

Testimonials

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 0:00:00 CDT

TESTIMONIALS TO DATE

11.12.08.

Hi Margaret,

Great website! I have placed your link on our home page.

Carla Hawkinson, MFH

Tennessee Valley Hunt

www.tvhfox.com

24.09.08.

Good Morning Margaret,

Thank you for your swift response to my mail. I had a look at your site yesterday and was impressed by the look and feel of the site as well as the motivation behind the concept.

Hugo Hunting

Neil.Larmour@icc-cpi.int

Keep Hunting and Scrap the Act

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 0:00:00 CST

KEEP HUNTING AND SCRAP THE ACT

by Kirsty Sloan - aged 13 years old.

It has been three years since the hunting ban and I think it has stopped!

Three years ago, hunting was banned in England, but hunters refused to stop. In Scotland the Government compromised and said that they could hunt, but they had to kill a fox with a gun and stop the houunds getting it. I do not think that is a good enough.

Hunting is an old tradition and is the most humane way of pest and vermin control. It is also fun for horses, riders and hounds - the protesters think otherwise.

Protesteros still think fox hungint is wrong but the truth is, do they know all about this old tradition?

In a typical hunt, all the horses and hounds meet at a meeting point and set off for a day hunting, which has been planned in advance. They are offered a drink before they set off, which is called a stirup cup, a cake or traybake.

They have a route set out earlier by the huntsman dragging a scent. Nowadays, in some hunts quad bikes are used. The Hunt rides through fields and woodland identified earlier with the farmer or landowner, which can last all day. The Huntsman will call for Home when it is time to return.

If the hounds found a fox before the ban the huntsman would let the hounds chase the fox, and if caught, would kill it by biting the fox once on the back of the nexk, which kills the fox instantly - and the fox will not feel a thing.

Now a typical hunt will call the hounds off the fox and the fox will be shot and it may not die for several more minutes, so the fox can suffer much more. Some hunts call the hounds, who are allow by law to chase the fox and ill it.

On the protestors\\\\\'side they believe that it is cruel to kill a fox and they alsywa have a gut feeling when they hear that hounds have killed a fox - but they presume the hounds have ripped the fox apart. The newspapers also do not help in situations like this, because they write reports that will sell stories and twist factsa dn make the people who are cusing a stir right!

The hunting ban was not jsut about cruelty to foxes it was also about class. The stereotype of a hunter is a well off stuck up dumb posh person and people from the working class do not liek the idea of the upper classes enjoying themselves while they are working. Many people who hunt arrange their working time to allow them to go hunting. That is not right as lots of people from the working class hunt as well. Infact, anyone who knows how to ride a horse as long as they are experienced enough can hunt.

On the hunters\\\\\' side it is fund for them to ride out through the woods and field sbut they are alos helping the farmers. Foxes are farmer\\\\\'s nightmare when all of the new born animals are outside in the fields. Fozes can cill up to fifty lambs and only eat one. When that happens the farmers livelihood is under threat.

Foxes are a pest as they can also dig holes and burrows on farming land and livestock can get stuck or break a leg in a fox hole. Badgers can also move into these holes amd form sets. Badgers are well known for being carriers of Bovine TB which can affect many cows in the farming industry and it is also very dangerous to people.

The farmers also make sure that the hunt fences are maintained in good condition, which they would not do should the hunt be discontinued.

Thre are lots of benefits to fox hunting and more people need to see that fox hunting is not all bad, so if they assay has changed your mind about fox hunting, KEEP HUNTING AND SCRAP THE ACT.

Kirsty Sloan

1S1

Recent Political Moves on Hunting, Fishing Shooting and Farming across the World.

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 0:00:00 CST

We cannot emphasis enough the importance of the Briths way of life.

In recent years political developments have and contine to have a profound impact on the way we live.

These developments that of restrictions on:

Hunting has resulted in the signing of an International Charter on Hunting with Hounds in August 2008;

Shooting, where by several shoots in the UK have reverted to simulated shooting

More recently voicing changes in the way angler's fish, not only from the sea, where restrictions have been in place for many years - initially to reserve the fish population around our costs, and more recently quoters being put in place, resulting in a devastation effect to our fishing communities, around our cost. NOW from our waterways, will, make no doubt about this, restrict our activies in our traditional field sports.

For Farmers, the recent withdrawal and banning of certain fertilizers by the EU will result in farmers seeing a reduction in thier yeild.

The result of these actions will have a knock-on effect for everyone especially in food production, seeing more higher prices in fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and poultry.

This article tries to bring the population up to speed with current moves.

Charter of the International Union of Hunting with Hounds

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 0:00:00 CDT

CHARTER OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF HUNTING WITH HOUNDS - August 2008

1. WelfareThis Union believes that the interests of animal welfare are paramount to all hunting practices and pledges to act always in accordance with these principles. Wild animals are adapted to hunting and being hunted by evolution and their species survive because of it.

2. Utility and Wildlife ManagementThis Union pledges to act in the interest of the quarry species and the management of them. Further, it aims to maintain and enhance natural wildlife habitats and to monitor biodiversity in the countryside.

3. StewardshipThis Union pledges to act with responsibility and believes that hunting is part of the natural selection process and makes a positive contribution to the maintenance of sustainable and healthy populations of species within the living environment.

4. CultureThis union pledges to champion and safeguard the culture of sustainable hunting as part of the world’s rich heritage.

5. HoundsThis Union pledges to maintain the specific breeds of hounds which are the basis of our way of hunting. As they have no other specific function, breeding them in our kennels is a main contribution to biodiversity.

6. The Right to ChooseThis Union believes the right to choose to hunt under this Charter is the benchmark of a free and tolerant society.

7. Unity and SolidarityThis Union pledges to promote and defend these principles and actively opposes those who seek to attack the interests of hunting with hounds. It further pledges its support to all forms of sustainable hunting and angling.

Pictured below at the signing of the Charter were:

(Back row, left to right) Philippe Casier of Belgium, Mason Lampton of USA & Canada, John Gardiner of the UK, Gavin Duffy, Oliver Russell, Mark Wilkinson and Donal Boyle of the Republic of Ireland.

(Front row, left to right) Brian Munn, Republic of Ireland, Dennis Foster of the USA & Canada, Alastair Jackson of the UK, John Savill of New Zealand, John Masterton of Australia and Pierre de Boisguilbert of France.

Fox Hunting

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 0:00:00 CST

The aim of this section of the web site is to provide an insight into the workings of a typical Foxhunt including highlights and disasters, which are common place in the hunting field.

It is essential that the facts of hunting are clearly defined and the erroneous propaganda constantly put out by the anti hunting fraternity are dispelled.

CONTACT: enquiries@BritishTraditionalFieldSports.co.uk

The present Government are seeking to destroy this tradition.

Foxhunting is the most effective and humane method of conservation. An element, which has been continuously ignored by the majority of the Labour Government and the animal rights groups.

In the first instance, the fox when caught by the lead hound is killed instantly. Only then, do the hounds eat the fox, which is their just reward...

Secondly, no hunt followers, whether on foot or on horse traverse other people’s property, without first obtaining prior permission from the farmer/land owner.

It has to be emphasised that other means of controlling foxes such as snaring, gassing, poisoning and in many instances shooting, are slow and painful, inhumane methods of killing the fox.

Apart from the fallacious argument that the traditional method of fox control, using hounds, is inhumane, such a ban, if successful, would cause severe economic disruption and social disaster to many rural communities - facts which are currently ignored by the anti-hunting groups and regrettably members of both Parliaments - Westminster and Edinburgh.

These elements which would be seriously effected are hotels, livery establishments, farriers, horsebox manufacturers and maintenance and in some instances veterinary practices.

With regard to hunt staff, it appears that it has been conveniently ignored, that hunt servants and staff would be out of work and rendered homeless.

It does not appear to be fully understood that hunt staff are professionals in a very exacting and arduous profession, which in the majority of cases has taken many years of dedicated service to achieve.

It is simplicity in the extreme to suggest, as has been proffered by members of Parliament that these professionals can be readily re-trained. It is interesting to note that none of these advocates for re-training have offered solutions to the problem both in turns of the economic disaster to the rural communities and staff.

In view of the above it is not surprising how serious these matter of conservation has to be taken.

Thought, understanding and tolerance appear to be factors, conveniently ignored by the anti-hunting fraternity.

Following the above and despite numerous demonstrations to retain hunting in the traditional manner the Labour Government in it's true "democratic" attitude ignored these activities and independant surveys on the matter of hunting with hounds. Each survey was quite positive in that hunting with hounds was the humane method of culling foxes.

In addition and despite much debate in both Houses, and in particular the Lords, who had strangely enough a more intelligent and realistic attitude on this subject was ignored by the House of Commons.

To appease the fringe groups and the labour members of the House of Commons, the illustrious Prime Minister then, made it quite clear regardless of any argument to the contrary, he would implement the Parliamentary Act of 1949. It is understood that this Act was one which only should be activated in a case of a National Emergency. What a surprise to realise that Foxhunting in the United Kingdom is of such magnitude that it threatens the Nation.

Not withstanding the above the English, Welsh and Northern Ireland Hunts "have rallied to the cause" and continue to hunt, admittedly in a modified form This indicates the strong belief in what is right and it can only be hoped that a change politically to a more balanced government will be achieved in the near future.

As for Scotland, here again a combination of ignorance, greed and envy has shown itself in that we now have pest control whereby the hounds are put into the covert and the fox is driven towards waiting guns where upon the unfortimate animal is blasted to kingdom come.

This political thinking highlights yet again the total and absolute ignorance on the part of vote seeking politicans and others. There again, it is hoped that sanity will return to politics in the near future and the traditional humane culling of foxes will return to this land.

Douglas Steen.

CONTACT: enquiries@BritishTraditionalFieldSports.co.uk

British Traditional Field Sports

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 0:00:00 CST

BRITISH TRADITIOAL FIELD SPORTS

in the Autumn of 2002 the website www.Foxhuntingstories.co.uK was launched on the Internet for the sole purpose of enlightening the general public on the facts of foxhunting, both mounted as well as foot.

Apart from the vile outbursts of the anti-hunting groups, threatening many families with physical violence, the concept took off and consdierable interest emanated from Russian, Italy, America, France and Germany. Requests such as: could we prove foxhounds; and render assistance in the preparation of a student seeking her PhD in Land Mangement focuing on Consercation.

As a result of the interest shown, including that from other rural activities, www.Foxhuntingstories.co.uk was no long appropraite and consideration to another name was required. It was decided to launch www.BrithsTraditionalfFieldSports.co.uk ( and .com) in Novemebr 2007, which we considered more apt to the changing political scenario and a need for a resource, world-wide for rural pursuits.

As a result of this decision we now have a hosting wbsite. The umbrella, encompasses the other ruarl activities, such as hunting, shooitng, fishing and farming, each section having subdivisions to accommodate all. For example, in the hunting section there are currently listed: draghunts, hunTs, and falconry, with coursing, beagling, bloodhounds, harriers and mink hounds, yet to come on board. With regards to shooting, here again positive interest has been exhibited, from simulated shoots through to woodcok shooting.

The interest shown in fishing has been quite dramatic, and in wide spread throughtout the Brithish Isles and Ireland. It is of particular interest with with regard to this aspect clubs and activities, eg. fishing for the disabled, teaching children how to fish, course fishing clubs, game fishing clubs from trout to shark are listed.

A common denominator to all the above activites is farming, this incorporates suppliers, feeds, livery and animal breedes, pigs and sheep have web pages. The prinicipal aim is to promote business within these sectors, across the world, and make the general public realise the massive involvement of a wide spectrum of activities forming the rural communityl The massive economic and social impact of rural life has to be maintained and supported, despite adverse activities including politcal interference.

COMMANDER D. STEEN

CONTACT: enquiries@BritishTraditionalFieldSports.co.uk

Picutre 1. Signing of Charter in Ireland.

Picture 2. Capsule and Casket - Fife Foxhounds

Puppy Walking is an essential feature of a hunting pack which is the initial training of the hound. ie. to learn it's name and respond when called; to be somewhat domesticated; and to be able to accept a colar during it's working life.

Those who Puppy Walk for any Hunt are dedicated enthusiasts for the art and science of hunting.

Plans to Ban Stag Hunting in Ireland

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 0:00:00 CST

23rd Deember 2009

Ward Union Hunt

Almost two thousand members and supporters of the Ward Union Hunt held a “monster rally” last week in opposition to plans to ban stag hunting.

The Ward Union Hunt, which operates in Co Meath and north Co Dublin, is furious at the ban proposed by Minister for the Environment John Gormley.

The Ward Union Hunt, established in 1854, has be accused by Mr. Gormley of vindictively singling out the Ward Union Hunt as they are the only licensed stag hunt in Ireland.

National Hunt jockey Paul Carberry, who is a Ward Union member, wrote an open letter to Taoiseach Brian Cowen last week warning him that Fianna Fail TDs would pay the price at the next election if the ban was implemented.

Chairman for the night was incoming Ward Union chairman, Christy Reynolds introduced the various speakers. Keynote speakers were: Francis Lally a dairy farmer from Kilmessan and a keen Ward follower; Matt Dempsey Managing Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal. Matt spoke of the damage being done to rural Ireland, and farming in particular by well meaning but poorly judged measures imposed as part of Green policy. For instance: the practice of winter ploughing which was always looked on as essential for spring cereal production has now been banned; and, slurry spreading restricted to certain calendar dates regardless of ground conditions;
Gavin Duffy of “Dragons Den” was next. Gavin, who is one of the founders of HAI and pro hunting strategist, is a well know businessman and star of “Dragons’ Den.”

Gavin who gave one of his usual rousing speeches accused Mr. Gormley of “having a death wish” towards the hunt. “For people who live in rural Ireland . . . we cannot understand how the one hunt that does not kill it's quarry – the purpose of the stag hunt is not to kill the stag – is being targeted in this way.” He went on to accuse Fianna Fail to have surrendered to Green pressure in order to cling to power.

A commitment to ban stag hunting was included in the revised programme for Government agreed between the Green Party and Fianna Fail earlier this year. A spokesman for Mr. Gormley said yesterday that heads of the Bill were already agreed by Government and detailed legislation was being prepared. This bill could be before the Dail as early as mid January.
Gavin continued by saying that the Ward Union had support from across the hunting community and the proposed ban was causing alarm among those involved in wider country pursuits such as “hunting, shooting and fishing.”

Gavin finalised by calling on a mass rally early in the new year with a march on Leinster House
Both Meath FG TD’s were present, Shane McEntee and Damien English, who promised unqualified support for Ward Union and hunting in general from any in-coming government led by Fine Gael. Invited but missing on the night was local TD and minister, Noel Dempsey.

FF was represented by no less than three TD’s and one councilor (Nick Kileen) who was representing Mary Wallace TD. FF TD’s Ml Kennedy, Darragh O’Brien and Thomas Byrne assured the meeting of their personal support but would not be drawn on whether they would oppose the motion in the Dail,

The Wards had brought hounds to the gates of Leinster House, the Custom House,(see photo) the headquarters for the Department of the Environment, and to Navan Racecourse to publicize the meeting.

Ward Union secretary Ronan Griffin said its members were “not going to stand for” stag hunting being banned.
He accused the minister of singling out the hunt after losing a High Court action which placed onerous restrictions on it, including one that the hunt could pursue the scent of the stag and not the stag itself, a move which was described as playing “football without a football.”

“Anybody who is involved with animals need to be very aware of the extreme animal rights agenda that the Green Party is trying to bring into this country,” he said.
Among the many speakers from the floor were DJ Histon CEO of the Irish Coursing Club Jim Murphy of the Foot Harriers Association, Donal Boyle of The Master of Harriers Association, David Lalor of the Master of Foxhounds Association all of whom offered unqualified support for the campaign to save the Ward Union Hunt.

As the meeting was about to conclude a message was sent from the Chairman Meath IFA (who was unavoidably away on IFA business) equally offering full support to the Ward Union.

The rally was featured on the main evening news bulletin on RTE with follow up interviews on Tuesday on all the national stations, Pat Kenny (RTE) ,Matt Cooper (Today FM )and George Hook , (NewsTalk).

All in all a most successful night.

Hunting

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 0:00:00 CST

There are several types of Hunting, which varies from Country to Country. We have now been acknowledge by several Associations and Orgnaisations for Hunting. For example: Master of Foxhounds of America and Canada; Master of Draghounds and Bloodhounds and Baily's Hunting Directory

We would be very pleased to hear from any Association, Organistion or Magazine on any aspect of Hunting who would like to Exchange a LINK with us.

EXCHANGE LINK If you would like to Exchange a LINK with www.BritishTraditionalFieldSports.co.uk

please contact: enquiries@BritishTraditionalFieldSports.co.uk

To develop a webpage all we would need is a copy of your Banner/Header, an appropriate photograph of your actitives, your contact details and up to 500 words text.

In return we would request www.BritishTraditionalFieldSports.co.uk to become a LINK to your website.

If you do not have a LINK Section a mention on your website or in your Newsletter or Magazine would be very much apprieciated.

If you do not have these facilities, we have an annual charge of £20.00 GBP for administration charges, payable via Paypal.

Background

Changes in the way in which Hunting with Hounds occurs in the UK continues, following the Hunting Act 2004 (introduced by an Emergency Bill, which has only ever been used twice before when the UK was in a state of emergency!).

Some hunts in the UK have sadly closed with Huntsmen losing their livelihood, homes and their way of life, along with the infrastructure needed to support hunting. Other hunts have amalgamated to survive.

In some regions of England it has been reported that hunts are thriving and many hunts have more members now, than previous to the introduction of the Bill and this has resulted in many more people hunting in the UK. However, it remains one of the most divisive issues among the population. Don't be complacent this could happen in other countries.

Other countries across the world hunting is a way of life - a social activity - steeped in tradition. In some countries it is written in their constitution! This is evident by the numerous activites now reflected in our Clients.

Our Background

The website www.Foxhuntingstories.co.uk was written for people to understand how Foxhunting was carried out - due to the response for Links to this website, it became obvious that the name would require changing to accommodate all. and www.Foxhuntingstories.co.uk is now part of www.BritishTraditionalFieldSports.co.uk - (we also have .com and .eu) our world-wide hosting website.

Hunting for Tolerance...in the UK

A campaign group dedicated to disseminating factual information about hunting with hounds and countering the misunderstanding, misinformation, prejudice and intolerance to which hunting is persistently subjected. Within this website our section of Foxhunting provides an objective look at Fox Hunting.

Hunting people do feel persecuted and the following statements support why people will continue to hunt.

Is hunting cruel? The short answer is 'No'... Lord Burns (Chairman of the Government Inquiry into hunting) speaking in the Lords debate on the Hunting Bill. March 2001

I dislike legislation which is completely unenforceable in practice. It restricts those who are law-abiding, while allowing freedom to those who are prepared to disregard the law. .... Lord Cope - Lords debate 26th March 2001

'it is one of the great constitutional . . . balances of our system to respect and protect the interests of minorities against a populist majority'... Lord Whitty, 2002

It is important for every person to be able to decide what recreation they choose. We hope this website provides an informative read and balanced view point.

Reflections

Wed, 8 Jun 2011 0:00:00 CDT

Reflections

Sir,

Time to pause and ponder and reflect upon the passage of time, since the introduction of the infamous banning of the Hunting with Hounds Act. It is now widely agreed that this ban was promoted by ignorance and stupidity in the main.

There is now a vacuum which has caused pain, disillusionment and economic problems related to rural industries and livelihoods.

Is it not strange that despite the vast quantity of money spent on education that we have buggery across the spectrum? Consider the appalling state of affairs where governments are now stepping in to quell the visas behaviour of individuals at football games, cumulating in the latest idea of providing government money i.e. rate payers money - to assist football clubs from economic disaster.

Yet, on the opposite end of the scale we had hunts supported throughout the ages, financed solely by subscribers and foot followers of the hunt. At no time has any government been approached to assist in the financial running of the numerous hunts. Prior to the ban the media thought fit to interview and broadcast a conversation with a so called academic, i.e. a professor, who made the classic statement to the fact that hunting with Hounds was not economical. This is a further installation of the rubbish which has been expounded and still is regarding the matter of hunting with hounds.

It can only be hoped that strenuous efforts being made by responsible organisation to have this Bill banned.

It is somewhat depressing that so called responsible members of the community have been swept up with the outrageous incorrect statements made by anti-hunting people. Possibly a classic example of this is the statement and I quote "The tare the fox to bits" the implication of this statement suggests that the fox is torn apart whilst still alive.

When the fox is killed the carcass is then given to the hounds as a reward for their endeavours. Another outrageous example is the statement "these people in their red coats, careering across private land, smashing fences regardless. It is questionable whether there is another human activity which has very strict rules of conduct, yet this fact is totally ignored.

Probably the classic tragedy of this saga is the introduction of the Parliamentary Emergency Act which was used to put the ban to the House of Commons.

A further point, showing the sublimed ignorance is the fact that a number of independence surveys were conducted prior to the ban with a command denominator that the most effective and humane method of controlling foxes was by hounds.

It is of great concern that so called responsible people with tremendous power at their finger tips can blythfully ignore all the facts known to man and thereby causing destruction.

One would have thought that under a democracy, such as ours, that knowledge and integrity together with responsibility would prevail and not be destroyed.

One can only hope that a light is appearing at the end of the tunnel and sanity will return.

Douglas Steen.

8.06.2011.

BAN ON HUNTING WITH HOUNDS

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 0:00:00 CST

IMPORTANT NOTICE

On Sunday 15th January 2012 on the BBC programme Countryfile, John Craven intereviewed David Cameron, the Prime Minister for the UK. During the inerview John Craven asked the Prime Minister if the Ban on Hunting with Hounds was going to be reviewed. David Cameron stated that the Act would be voted upon in The House of Commons during this Session of Parliament.

From Pony Club to Grand National

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 0:00:00 CST

FROM PONY CLUB TO GRAND NATIOANAL and how to qualify

It is still amazing to realise that some people are unaware about Fox Hunting and it's structure and process which is still relatively unknown.

People are surprised to learn that in the multi-million pound Horse Racing World, there are certain races, such as Hunter Chases and the Grand National that all horses entered in these races have to qualify. One has to remember the amount of money involved in Horse Racing. It would be rediculous to imagine horses entering a race without any form of qualification. It is essential that both horse and rider are compedent and fit.

By this, there is a process. Each horse has to prove itself, and by doing so, the horse and rider has to have hunted with hounds on at least 6 to 8 occasions, depending on the hunt. Once this is achieved they receive a Hunter Certificate from the Master of Fox Hounds of the particular Hunt they hunted with.

The next step is for young horses aiming to join the horse racing circuit have to entered several Point-to-Points races held and organised by hunts up and down the country.

Point-to-Pointing racing is amature horseracing over fences, undertaken by horses who qualify for the races by learning their skills in the hunting field. Strict rules for entering these races are required from the horse's owner. A regulatary body provides over 100 Point-to-Point Racecards every year. Even a formbook covers every Point-to-Point and Hunter Chase in the UK.

The fences at each Point-to-Point are built by members of hunt holding the event to a very strict standard and then inspected by an external authority to warrant their use. It is hard work and that is how members of hunts receive their buttons to be worn on their red coats by working at various events over the years.

Young riders coming up through The Pony Club (founded in 1929 by the The Horse Society) provides sound training for both pony and their rider. The aim was, and still is, to ensure that young riders know how to look after their ponies and tack and, behave in a responsible and considerate manner to others, especially when Hunting.

There are so many different riders taking part on the Hunting Field - all are welcome with no social barriers, from the social ride with friends, to the farmers and lamdowners who have a vested interest in this activity, and, the could be proffesional jockeys of the future.

To keep a hunt functioning, there are many people throughout the country, giving their time and money to ensure hunting continues.

We have worn jumpers for many years, which were specially made, with a motif of a Huntsman with Hounds on a Chase and a slogan saying "Foxhunting is Conservation" - of course it is. Young fit foxes are very difficult to catch and many of the foxes caught are full of buck shot and mange, who need to be put out of there misery.

A days hunting is good exercise for all involved, whether riding, being a foot follower, or just a local spectator, enjoying the fresh air and day out in the country. For the kill, if there is one, is swift with a break of the neck, which usually happens way ahead of the field and in the majority of cases may only be viewed by the Huntsman.

One should be aware that there are as many Foot Followers as mounted, and they all contribute to the benefit of the particular hunt they are involved with. It should also be noted that there are Foot Packs with no horse involvement, such as the fell packs in the hill districts around the country.

Occasionally you get people coming up to you and saying " I don't agree with Fox Hunting" but when you ask them if they have every attended a Hunt the answer is ususally "No." And they certainly do not know the connection between the other organisations, which are essential to the whole structure.

It is hoped that this article will open their eyes and minds to the entire fabrication of hunting and it's benefit to the social, economy and environmental aspects of the countryside.

It is considered by many that the way in which the Ban on Hunting with Hounds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland was passed, by using the Emergency Parliamentary Act (which should only be used when the country is at danger from an international thret) it seem rather peculiar that a rural activity which, from the foxhunting aspect of hunting with hounds (there are several other activities of hunting with hounds, apart from hunting foxes) has been in place for centuries, and was initially set-up by farmers who were loosing their livestock had to be interferred with?

On Sunday 15th January 2012 on the BBC programme Countryfile, John Craven intereviewed David Cameron, the Prime Minister for the UK. During the inerview John Craven asked the Prime Minister if the Ban on Hunting with Hounds was going to be reviewed. David Cameron stated that the Act would be voted upon in The House of Commons during this Session of Parliament.

Let's hope 2012 will see common sence return?

Douglas and Margaret Steen

www.BritishTraditionalFieldSports.co.uk

22.01.2012.

The Late Douglas Steen

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 0:00:00 CDT

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