By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
The Government’s aim to ban trail hunting is opposed by Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett who will be joining a Cotswold hunt this week.
Labour has pledged to ban trail hunting in England and Wales amid concerns it can lead to wild animals being hurt.
Trail hunting is where hounds follow a pre-laid animal-based scent across the countryside, mimicking traditional hunting.
It became popular as an alternative to traditional fox hunting after the Hunting Act 2004 became law.
But there are concerns that trail hunting can result in foxes and hares being injured or killed by dogs. And the Government says the nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild animals are not placed in danger as a result of dogs picking up their scent, as opposed to the intended animal-based scent trail.
However, trail hunting is seen as an important part of rural life which brings people together through a shared love of horses, hounds and the countryside.
And the Vale of the White Horse Hunt (VWH), based at Cirencester Park, has announced Laura Collett MBE, one of Britain’s most successful event riders and a double Olympic team gold medallist, will be joining them for Ladies’ Day on Thursday, November 12.
Her visit will be a special occasion and an opportunity to celebrate the long-standing relationship between equestrian sport and the countryside traditions that help shape it, according to the VWH.
Laura, who won team gold and individual bronze at the Tokyo Olympics before helping Great Britain secure further team gold at Paris 2024, said she is delighted to be joining the event this week.
“Trail hunting offers riders and horses a unique opportunity to experience the countryside, develop their confidence and enjoy riding in a natural environment,” she said.
“For event horses, time spent riding across varied terrain and negotiating natural obstacles can be hugely beneficial, helping to develop their balance, agility and confidence.
“The skills and experience gained outside the arena can play an important role in preparing horses and riders for the challenges of eventing.
“I also recognise the important contribution that hunting makes to rural communities, supporting local businesses, jobs and the people who care for our countryside.
“I hope the Government will take another look at its proposed ban on trail hunting and fully consider the wider implications for equestrian sport and rural life before making a decision.”
Tanya Nixey, joint master of the VWH Hunt said they are “absolutely thrilled and honoured” the “outstanding ambassador for British equestrian sport “ will be joining them.
“Trail hunting is an important part of our rural community, bringing people together through a shared love of horses, hounds and the countryside,” she said.
“We hope the day will give Laura and our members an opportunity to celebrate those traditions and highlight the important role hunting continues to play in rural life.”
Laura’s visit also provides an opportunity to recognise the benefits that riding in the hunting field can bring to event horses and riders.
Navigating natural obstacles, riding across varied terrain and developing confidence in open country can help horses build the balance, agility and sure-footedness that are valuable attributes in eventing, according to VWH.
The day will offer participants the opportunity to enjoy a day in the hunting field alongside Laura, experiencing first-hand the horsemanship, skill and confidence required to ride across varied countryside.
North Cotswolds MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said trail hunting is “part of the country way of life that is the glue which holds the countryside together”.
“It’s completely out of order to ban trail hunting, frankly, to ban trail hunting. It is a pastime that is loved by a lot of people,” he said.
“A lot of people depend on trail hunting, all the grooms, all the hound kennelmen, the businesses associated with it, the horseboxes, garages, hostelries that have people stay and have meals.
“There are a lot of people dependent on this in this area in particular and I strongly support any measures that will keep trail hunting going.”
Conservative district councillor Laura Hall-Wilson, said trail hunting in the Cotswolds is a legitimate pastime that many people enjoy both on foot watching the hounds or across the beautiful Cotswolds countryside on horseback.
“If your passion is the latter, there is no better way to enjoy the day than alongside an Olympic gold medal winning event rider!
“Trails hunting’s contribution to the local economy is significant, especially here in the Cotswolds where livery yards, farriers, feed merchants, pubs and many others benefit from the high level of participation in the sport here.
“Hunting a wild mammal with dogs has been dealt with via the Hunting Act 2004 and trail hunting remains a long established humane alternative.”
Baroness Sue Hayman, animal welfare minister, said in March this year that the Labour Party pledged ban trail hunting in their manifesto “and that is exactly what we intend to do”.
“The nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild and domestic animals are not put at risk of being killed or injured – that is clearly unacceptable,” she said at the time.
The Government conducted a public consultation on the proposals which concluded in June.