Hunt goes from strength to strength
More than two years after foxhunting with dogs was banned Cottesmore Hunt is going from 'strength to strength', according to one of its leading lights.
Clare Bell, the organisation's secretary, says more and more people are riding out or supporting the hunt on foot despite the landmark Government legislation.
A golden eagle is used to kill the fox or it is shot after being flushed out by the hounds. The Cottesmore also practice trail hunting where the dogs follow an artificial scent of a fox.
Protestors and sabboteurs are nowhere near as prevalent as before but monitors do follow each hunt to ensure it is done within the law.
"The hunt is going from strength to strength," said Clare (40), who lives in Whissendine.
"We have more than 200 subscribers, which is people who come out hunting, and close to 1,500 supporters, including some mounted ones.
"We have also got more staff this year than for the last two years so the future looks really bright."
Cottesmore Hunt dates back to 1666 but there were real fears for its survival when the ban came in following animal cruelty accusations surrounding the killing of foxes using hounds.
New stables and kennels for the horses and dogs had only just been built, on the Cottesmore Road out of Ashwell, when the ban came in.
But the bloodsport is clearly still flourishing and the same number of foxes are being killed as when dogs were allowed to make the kills.
"We use this beautiful bird of prey," said Clare, who succeeded Michael Stokes as hunt secretary five years ago.
"It is quite a spectacular sight to see our golden eagle in action. I enjoy it as much as before.
"Hunting is the most phenomenal thing to do. It is such an honour to go hunting because you rely on farmers and landowners to use their land. You can be out at 6am on a September morning and see the most stunning views that other people would never get the chance to see."
The Cottesmore Hunt go out three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Clare insists it performs a vital function for the countryside. Fences, hedgerows and gates are maintained and the fox population is kept in check.
She said: "It is still quite important to have the ban on foxhunting with dogs overturned for the future of foxes.
"Shooting, poisoning and snaring foxes is indiscriminate and it could lead to their extinction.
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"Foxes are vermin but they are the most beautiful creatures. People would be surprised to hear me say this but there is no greater joy than seeing a fox running away from cover."
Clare does not come from a horsey background. She used to visit her great aunt at Stathern, near Melton Mowbray, and began riding ponies. Clare became addicted and eventually joined the Belvoir Hunt before joining the Cottesmore because it was nearer home.
It is very much a family affair. Her children William (10) and Charlotte (8) have rode with the hunt since they were five but husband Martin does not ride at all.
Clare, who keeps five horses at home for hunting and playing polo, added: "I get up at 5.30am every morning to see to the horses.
"But I love it. I am so incredibly lucky to do a job I really love."
Cottesmore Hunt factfile
Cottesmore Hunt dates back to 1666, when Henry, Viscount Lowther brought his pack of hounds south from Northumberland.
Its most high profile meet is on Boxing Day, at Cutts Close in Oakham, when a collection is taken for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Cottesmore season runs from September through to March.
Members hunt in Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Rutland, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The hunt's 120 hounds are kept at kennels at Ashwell.
Masters of the Hunt for Cottesmore are Jane Knight, Adam Cooke, Carl Foster and Richard Hunnisett.
The construction and opening of Rutland Water 30 years ago removed 3,100 acres of hunting country for The Cottesmore.
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Monday 28 May 2012
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