tootsietoo
Well-Known Member
I know this was done by Snaffles (or someone similar) in picture form, but this was keeping me entertained on a quiet mornings cubbing a while back when, in the absence of hounds, I was watching the people standing around me and catching snippets of conversations. As you can tell, I am trying to put off doing some actual work!
Please add your own at the end!
The gung-ho chap
Riding up short on a speedy thoroughbred, he only talks to you to yell kick on, theres a ditch the other side! in front of something that looks like Bechers, or at 4pm when he realises that maybe you have some stamina. When not hunting, team chases and point to points and manages to run his organic pig farm/estate agency/import export business which somehow (considering he is hunting 3 days a week) funds his ever changing string of horses (because they get crocked so quickly).
The gossipy women
To be found in groups at the meet discussing last nights dinner party, how many layers they have on and, obviously, the latest in hunt politics. Several divorces and a horde of teenage children between them, all away at school which means they hunt twice a week on weekdays. Stay out no later than 2pm. Do not cross them, or your name will be mud for at least a season!
The newbie man
Took up hunting to keep up with the girlfriend/wife or because his mate dared him to have a go. Very quickly became addicted and poor girlfriend/wife now to be found mucking out 3 hunters in addition to her own and bringing him a second horse. Usually an adreneline sports fiend too, and carries on with his skiing/surfing/rallying as well as hunting. Will point his horse at anything, and each season he turns out with something more quality than last. Will be a master in about 5 years.
The matriarch
Has hunted for about 70 years. Wears a bowler and is always to be found in the middle of the action despite not jumping a stick because she knows precisely where each fox will run. Keeps everyone in check, makes sure gates are shut and crops not trampled, but her bark is much worse than her bite. The field would be chaos without her.
Mothers with hairy ponies
To be found in a gaggle at the back of the field dragging along a menagerie of native ponies. Children variously complaining about being too cold/hungry/slow. Pockets bulging with chocolate to ward off hungry whinging. Talk almost exclusively of where to find the next pony for little Sophia/Archie and how much to pay for a 15hh cob to lead from.
The elegant lady
The woman we all want to be. Rides immaculately turned out ¾ TBs, very slim with a beautifully cut very old coat and boots. Sometimes a former lady master, impeccable manners, always friendly and helpful. Rides like a dream, jumps everything.
The keen teen
Makes us all feel inadequate by staying out until the end of the day on one pony, always up with the fieldmaster, pony is an absolutely galloping and jumping machine. Terrifies his/her mother who is car following and cant keep up with her offspring. Often rides with the whip, opening gates and generally being indispensable. Knows every hounds name.
Please add your own at the end!
The gung-ho chap
Riding up short on a speedy thoroughbred, he only talks to you to yell kick on, theres a ditch the other side! in front of something that looks like Bechers, or at 4pm when he realises that maybe you have some stamina. When not hunting, team chases and point to points and manages to run his organic pig farm/estate agency/import export business which somehow (considering he is hunting 3 days a week) funds his ever changing string of horses (because they get crocked so quickly).
The gossipy women
To be found in groups at the meet discussing last nights dinner party, how many layers they have on and, obviously, the latest in hunt politics. Several divorces and a horde of teenage children between them, all away at school which means they hunt twice a week on weekdays. Stay out no later than 2pm. Do not cross them, or your name will be mud for at least a season!
The newbie man
Took up hunting to keep up with the girlfriend/wife or because his mate dared him to have a go. Very quickly became addicted and poor girlfriend/wife now to be found mucking out 3 hunters in addition to her own and bringing him a second horse. Usually an adreneline sports fiend too, and carries on with his skiing/surfing/rallying as well as hunting. Will point his horse at anything, and each season he turns out with something more quality than last. Will be a master in about 5 years.
The matriarch
Has hunted for about 70 years. Wears a bowler and is always to be found in the middle of the action despite not jumping a stick because she knows precisely where each fox will run. Keeps everyone in check, makes sure gates are shut and crops not trampled, but her bark is much worse than her bite. The field would be chaos without her.
Mothers with hairy ponies
To be found in a gaggle at the back of the field dragging along a menagerie of native ponies. Children variously complaining about being too cold/hungry/slow. Pockets bulging with chocolate to ward off hungry whinging. Talk almost exclusively of where to find the next pony for little Sophia/Archie and how much to pay for a 15hh cob to lead from.
The elegant lady
The woman we all want to be. Rides immaculately turned out ¾ TBs, very slim with a beautifully cut very old coat and boots. Sometimes a former lady master, impeccable manners, always friendly and helpful. Rides like a dream, jumps everything.
The keen teen
Makes us all feel inadequate by staying out until the end of the day on one pony, always up with the fieldmaster, pony is an absolutely galloping and jumping machine. Terrifies his/her mother who is car following and cant keep up with her offspring. Often rides with the whip, opening gates and generally being indispensable. Knows every hounds name.
still... could be worse!
