RIDERS, foxhounds and onlookers packed Kilkhampton's New Inn car park on Saturday for Tetcott Hunt's opening meet of the new season.
In bright autumn sunshine there was a real buzz — and the hunt said that was a clear indication that support for hunting is growing despite the ban brought in three years ago.
The meet was kindly hosted by licensees Yvonne and Chris Pearce who provided the traditional stirrup cup and tasty bites.
Mrs Pearce said: "Chris, my husband, came from a farming background and we both support the traditions of the countryside. It was a magnificent sight and feeling here this morning and something we must not lose."
The hunt chairman, Julian Smeeth, was pleased with the turnout and thanked the New Inn for hosting the important opening meet.
In a short statement he stressed that the hunt would be operating within the law.
Prior to meet, Barry Butler, the hunt's treasurer and official trail setter, had been out laying zigzag trails to mirror the route of a hunted fox.
Before the field set off the Rev Rob Dickenson, Rural Dean of the Deanery of Stratton, made a short address.
With most people wearing poppies he called for a minute's silence and then read the exhortation in a short Act of Remembrance.
In his address he referred to the magnificent countryside which we were privileged to live in and all those celebrations which sustain its historic identity.
He asked for God's blessing to protect all creatures; especially the hounds, horses and riders in their running and riding.
So another hunting season gets underway.The Tetcott will continue to provide not just trail hunting sport but also its fallen stock service for farmers and a programme of social and fundraising events for members and everyone to enjoy.