Colne Valley Beagles and other things of interest.: MORE ROCKWOOD ASSORTED

Some recent Rockwood Harriers pics. A couple of Meets.

A bit more of this area – a wonderful flat grass field.

Apparently the golden gorse flowers make a good flavouring for wine!

"When gorse is out of bloom, kissing is out of season"

Another Rockwood Harriers Meet

Top knot

You learn something every day. I asked someone at this Meet why there were no manes these days and was told quite firmly that one had to have them ‘plaited’ unless a native pony like a Fell or something. I didn’t know of the etiquette regarding horse’s manes not flowing freely when hunting so I had a look at a discussion thread on Horse and Hound. I wonder what the original reason is for this? Seems odd to me how some of these weird ‘traditions’ perpetuate while others fall by the wayside: this is all in the interests of uniformity I suppose.

Plaiting-for-hunting

A quote -

“it is etiquette to plait for hunting. Cubbing .. it is not correct to plait as still in ratcatcher though tidy well pulled manes look the best. farmers and natives(ponies) do not need to plait.(neither do hogged!!!!) it depends on who you hunt with, BUT clean, smart, tidy is a must. it is respectful to the hunt and the landowner who hosts the meet to be plaited. often the last 2 or 3 weeks of the season most people revert to ratcatcher and unplaited. if unsure do phone the secretary a few days before the meet and ask for clarification of turnout. lawn meets should always be plaited.”

So if some of the terminology baffles you and you wish to learn more of these archaic hunting traditions, here is an informative link –

Hunting etiquette

Shell suits are definitely out!