Foot Follower - Albrighton

[Amo]

Hi guys,

First time in this forum so first off HI

A good friend of mine is going hunting for the first time on Saturday with the Albrighton Hunt I believe. I know where the hunt is taking place but after reading other comments it seems general practice not to mention specifics.

Anyways, I am planning to go along and take friends daughter so we can wave her off but thought it may be a nice idea to follow the hunt on foot and see if I can get any nice photos for her. So, a couple of questions if anyone can help

• Are you allowed to take photos? (Prob a daft question)
• How close to the group do you get if on foot? Is it worth even bothering or will they be too far away?
• Is it easy to follow on foot/car? Will information be available as to where to go? Is it possible to follow others and how on earth do you find out who’s, who?
• Do you realistically need a 4x4 to be able to follow?
• How long are they actually out?

Think that’s it for now but if you think of anything else a newbie needs to know then please feel free to educate.

Thanks

PS – As you have guessed never been to a hunt before

 

[combat_claire]

Photos at the meet and of your friend shouldn't be a problem. If in doubt ask the secretary.

Foot following is something of an art form. Your best bet is to try and pal up with a regular foot or car follower and ask if they can guide you. Some meets you can follow quite easily. Some are rather more tricky and require an 'out of the box' approach to get into position and view them as they come over a well-used jump or track.

Generally you can get quite close to coverts and the field to get photos; but the trouble is that those on horses move off faster than someone on foot and you can get left behind. This is why parking and walking-in can often be a better strategy than attempting to follow the whole thing from your feet.

You can usually follow in a regular car, just be careful about where you stop so as not to sink into squidgy grass. Also don't follow other vehicles up farm tracks unless you have express permission to do so.

Generally the hunt will remain out until dusk unless a short day has been planned or some other factor necessitates leaving off early. Riders may depart at any time during the proceedings so it all comes down to how fit your friend and her horse is and how long they wish to stay out.

Wear wellies or decent boots and practical outdoor clothing, have some loose change in case the hunt run a whisky raffle and bring some snacks to eat in case your friend ends up being out for hours. A waterproof in the car is a good plan, even if forecast is good!

 

[CrazyMare]

Round here, the hunts have LOADS of people out with cameras, and private Facebook groups to share them on after the day.

I have foot followed in a clapped out KA before, like CC said, you just need to be careful where you park. I do tend to stick to the 4x4 now, but often give people a lift who don't have one. It is a useful vantage point - Lots of height to see from!

 

[Countryman]

I fear I'm basically going to echo CC's excellent advice above but anyway:

It is possible to follow solely on foot, but if you don't know the country very well and as its your first time I would definitely recommend having access to a car to hand! The thing is, youll probably catch up with the field fine but if they go off on a gallop youll find it hard to catch up on foot if you don't know any shortcuts.

You will be able to take photos yes especially at the meet and of the field jumping etc. Some hunts may get a bit funny about you photographing the hounds and huntsman at work though, specially if they don't know you, fearing you might be trying to stitch him up or photoshop/edit pictures to reflect badly on hunting, that sort of thing. Best to just see what other followers are doing.

Car following is relatively simple! Just follow the vast hordes (sometimes hundreds) of cars you see parked up on the side of the road with people watching. Personally, I'd advise a mix between car and foot following-drive on to a road by the hunt for example if they're waiting around, walk over, chat to your friend take pictures etc and then retire to the car if they gallop off! A 4x4 is definitely not necessary!

You'll probably finish around 3:30-4PM.

Hope that helped, come back and let us know all about how your day went

 

[Sherston]

But please, (as general foot follower advice, not specific to you)......

Turn your engine off when stationary - even if it is a bit chilly in your car.
Don't think you are part of the mounted field and charge through the lanes chasing the hunt.
Think about where you park so you are not directly on the line of a trail just so you get a great view and ruin the trail.
Let horses pass you, they should be the priority on a hunting day, nothing worse than seeing hounds and hunt staff then 5 cars then the mounted field hacking to the next draw.
Don't block roads to other traffic and give the hunt and hunting a bad name
Although do feel free to delay any sabs in a rusty landrover.

But do bring along a tin of sweets to hand to the mounted field as they pass you on foot - always endears you to the field. Wine gums are very good!

There probably is a thread on footfollowers etiquette but I don't recollect seeing it.... hence! I'm sure others can add more to this, please do.

Sherston

 

[CrazyMare]

Oh, and wrap up warm!! Even in the car!! I tend to find things better if I have the windows open, so you can hear things

 

[Countryman]

Sherston has some good points....If your desperate to be near the hounds nobody's saying you can't be just rather than driving, hop out the car! If I was you I'd try and minimise the amount of time you stay in the car. The more time you spend on your feet-listening, smelling, seeing clearly - the more you'll enjoy yourself.
Don't get in the huntsmans way but equally don't be afraid to take your own line- don't feel you have to be stuck behind the field. Listen carefully to anything the huntsman or master asks you to do.
I usually say the worst thing you can do on foot is get stuck behind the field at a gate or bridge but as your going to talk to a friend in the field that may not apply!

Gates. A thorny subject. Personally, I'll shut gates if I'm behind the field and I'll open and shut gates for hunt staff but I'd advise avoiding cheerfully holding open a gate only to find you have to hold it for 10 minutes while 100 riders pass...I'm not saying don't open gates for the field -it's always appreciated-just don't get into the position where they expect you to hold it open for ages every time!

Some of all these suggestions might seem strict or a tad serious, so don't forget the most important thing is that you have fun, have an amazing time and learn about hunting. Don't be worried about asking anyone what the hounds/huntsman are doing

 

[Captain Crasher]

Hi there, the Meet that the Albrighton have on Saturday is a good place to
follow on foot, and they get lots of "footies" there usually! There will probably be quite a lot of woodland hunting, so you'll probably enjoy your day more if you prepare to wrap up warm, and leave your car near the Meet, to start with.
Enjoy your day.
CC.

 

[Amo]

Wow, thanks everyone for the replies, all very helpful, if not a little daunting lol

If I end up going think I will try and attach myself to a friendly looking regular and follow them

 

[Dry Rot]

I used to follow hunts in my native Devon six days a week. But there are very few hunts in the north of Scotland!

Back then, the best way to follow was by bicycle, preferably a very old and scruffy bike as it was less likely to be stolen! Not sure if that would apply any more though.

Just thought I would mention it as nobody else did. You'd usually see more in Devon on foot anyway, especially if you tagged along with the right people.

 

[Amo]

Right, I am up, practically dressed (not pretty lol) and ready to go help get the ponies ready. If anyone is at the Albrighton today and see's a women looking incredibly lost, good chance that will be, wish me luck. Hopefully another girl from the yard is coming to watch as well so maybe if I get lost I will have company.

Thanks so much for all your replies, heres hoping I paid attention x

 

[Countryman]

Let us know how it went then!

 

[Amo]

Oh my, all I can say is it was amazing. Luckily we met the Hunt Secretary who took us under his wing and took us to the best places to watch with him, we got driven around by another committee member and they were so friendly and patient, especially as we asked a ridiculous amount of questions. Everyone we met were fantastic and so welcoming.

The two friends that took part absolutely loved it and I think will definitely be back taking part. I will definitely be going to watch again, would love to take part but my boy just isn't suitable, going to have to see if I can borrow someone’s horse

 

[Countryman]

Oh that's great I'm so glad you had a good time!

 

[jess_asterix]

I didn't see this before but I was out with the Albrighton on Saturday to, it was a fabulous day and the weather made it even better!

Julian is lovely isn't he, glad you had a good day and that you all come out again

 

[Amo]

They were both brilliant at looking after us, it was Julian and I believe Owen was the other guys name who ended up being our taxi driver. Couldn't thank them enough, they made our day.

Everyone was so friendly, a lovely group of people

 

[jess_asterix]

Owen is also a star and takes fabulous pictures of everyone!!