Yesterday I was a commentator when showing hounds at an agricultural fair. The Foxhounds arrived in a joyful rush, accompanied by the Huntsman and one Whip, mounted on their hunting-fit horses. The hunt staff were spectacular in scarlet with buttons shining in the sunlight, the horses tight with muscle and gleaming in their coats. An uplifting sight as the pack moved out over the grass before a fascinated audience. I suggested to my fellow commentator that he should “give the sandwich warning as soon as possible”. At his blank look, I pointed out that several families were having picnics beside the ring - and these were Foxhounds, famed for speedy theft of all available food.
Out came the working Basset pack to join the Foxhounds, charming and enthusiastic as they flowed around their briskly walking Huntsman. As a pack, it is remarkably steady. But these are Basset hounds, politely called “stubborn” or “strong willed”. Several broke away to check out interesting scents in the grass, along the crowd, among the Foxhounds, before running to catch up with the rest, their white-tipped tails up, noses busy even as they bustled along.
As the Foxhounds were being described over the PA, I watched several of them head for the sandwiches, provoking laughter from the tolerant crowd. I saw a single hound push his way through the hedge beside the ring, his hind end working hard, determined to get through the gap he had discovered. When the public was invited in, to meet the hounds and ask questions, there was a flood of spectators. A small Jack Russell was of immense interest to the Bassets, for some hound-ish reason. The terrier was barking and jumping so his owner lead it back towards the rope and half the Bassets streamed after it, followed by the Whip running to turn them back into the ring. A few sneaky Bassets were also checking out the sandwich opportunities. Then a red-faced man in a red apron appeared at the commentary box to tell us four Foxhounds were in the food tent and could someone collect them - quickly!
But when, in the midst of this happy chaos, the Huntsman remounted , the Foxhounds went on the alert, some appearing by magic, and coalesced into a disciplined pack. The Bassets walked out, the Foxhounds cantered out. Time for the next display at the show. One Foxhound was still being pursued around the show ground by the Whip, in his boots and coat, some 20 minutes later. Our season starts this Saturday.
