ROCKWOOD HARRIERS again!

'A comfortable seat'.  Rockwood Harriers Hunt - Master and Huntsman on a midweek outing.

A Rockwood Harriers assortment -

Here are some snaps my of my recent forays to meets of the Rockwood Harriers.  I find that trudging over barren, dark, wet, windswept, chilling moors with the CVB can get a bit boring and too much like hard work at times, so it is a most refreshing change to be able to visit lovely rolling Rockwood countryside with green fields and a bit of pageantry as well.  Despite being a foot slogger, one soon feels at home with the mounted fraternity who are welcoming and sociable.  Having to prepare for their day out must take a lot of time and effort and no little expense, as unlike beaglers, the field is always immaculately and impressively turned out whatever the weather. 

Huntsman and hounds proceeding to the Meet.  Some drinks were provided at this Meet in a rather fine private 'yard' to the mounted participants.

A visiting huntsman from the Holcombe Harriers

Very smart and maybe Holcombe Harriers too with a member's red collar.

Those in the Rockwood who are favoured or are officials or hunt staff etc may wear the 'old gold' collar.

Equestrian elegance. 

'Stirrup Cups' 

Harriers, like beagles, can be quite effusive.

It is important to know the way out.

So, now to another day of dull skies and bad light.

Mounting a large corned-up hunter can be a tricky business

Particularly when he deliberately pushes you off your portable mounting block at the critical moment.  Who says horses don't have a sense of humour!

But with quiet persistence and some repositioning it can be done.

Some of the Field arriving.

Some Rockwood hounds with that big foxhound on the periphery that I commented on in a previous post.  

When the Master speaks the hounds listen

I knew a mobile would appear at some point.

The Meet is over so time to go.

And I had better move out of the way I think!

A distant Field

 I noticed the red ribbon - a warning that it may kick. 

So, now to yet another day of dull skies, bad light, heavy mist and light rain!

In Yorkshire we speak plainly.  It says it all and so was the weather!!

Now that IS a big horse!

The huntsman of the day. (Last time it was his dad).

Some of the catering staff!  This was an excellent 'Lawn Meet'.

Mobile bartenders.

Yes it's a Labradoodle.

Waiters?

I guess she will grow into it.

The Meet - with generous hospitality - and fog.

So who did it best then?

As it says.

David Swanbury