Thousands turn out for hunt
HUNT supporters turned out in force for the traditional Boxing Day meet.
A crowd of about 2,000 spectators braved the cold to see riders and hounds from the Cottesmore Hunt meet at Cutts Close, Oakham.
It is almost two years since the ban of hunting foxes came into force but despite predictions that it would spell the end of hunting, locally it appears to be increasing in popularity.
Cottesmore Hunt spokesman Philippa Mayo said: "Support is strong, if not stronger.
"There are always new faces on Boxing Day and this year I think we saw more than ever.
"It was fantastic, there were about 100 people on horseback and lots of children and thousands in the crowd.
"Rutland is a hunting county and these were people who wanted to show their objections to the ban."
There was the traditional stirrup cup, (a glass of port) for some of the riders, and a brief speech from joint master of the Hunt Jane Knight, who thanked people for supporting the Cottesmore.
Then Huntsman Neil Coleman sounded the horn and the riders, both young and old, many dressed in traditional black and red jackets rode off to Burley Wood.
Since the ban, foxes can be killed by a bird of prey but not hunted by dogs. The Cottesmore uses an eagle, and also line hunts – laying trails to ensure that riders still get their gallop around the countryside.
The Hunt will turn out again on New Year's Day in Uppingham, gathering in the Market Place at about 10.30am.
It will also meet with second horses on Tuesday at Furze Hill in Somerby.
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Weather for Stamford
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to -0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
