The Radnor and West Hereford Hunt marked its 163rd year with a meet in Kington town centre on Boxing Day.

The Radnor and West Hereford Hunt marked its 163rd year with a meet in Kington town centre on Boxing Day. 

The new owner of the Burton Hotel Jana Hyde greeted members of the hunt and spectators during the morning.

Crowds gathered at the Place De Marines to witness the traditional spectacle of horses and hounds on one of the most important dates in the hunt calendar. 

All ages, from toddlers to those who have witnessed the spectacle for many years, mingled with the hounds and the riders. 

Robert Jones, senior joint master of the Radnor and West Herefordshire Hunt, addressed the throng of riders and supporters from above the Burton Hotel entrance before the chase began.  He was joined by Emilia Jaques and Dominika Hudcova, who sang ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ with Jana Hyde.

Mr Jones thanked the town for allowing them to meet, and the town council and Herefordshire Council for allowing them to close the road. 

He also thanked JP Turners for allowing emergency vehicles through their yard, the Burton Hotel’s Jana Hyde for her hospitality, and the farmers and landowners whose land they cross. 

He paid tribute to Jon Richardson who owned the Burton Hotel for 38 years and hosted the meet for all of that time. Mr Jones wished Jon and his wife Annabelle well for their retirement.

Mr Jones said the hunt had been established in 1861. The Boxing Day meet in Kington had taken place every year since then, apart from during the wars and because of Covid. 

He said this year they had laid a false trail on Hergest Ridge. Mr Jones said the hounds are looked after by Shaun Marles who has been with the hunt for 12 seasons. 

There were 22 riders on horseback and they were served with whisky and ginger wine before the hunt rode up Church Street to follow the false trail.

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