On a man-hunt!
HORSEBACK huntsmen have a new target in their sights – runners!
The Vale of Lune Hunt in Wyre is now chasing a two-legged "victim" - 48-year-old cross-country runner Richard Davies.
Brave Richard, a civil servant, is given a 10-minute head start before 50 huntsmen – and their army of bloodhounds – set off in pursuit.
Amazingly, Richard ran more than seven miles across farmland near Peagrams Farm, Out Rawcliffe, before he was hunted down by the pack.
But instead of the fox's grizzly fate, the Kirkham man was met with friendly wagging tails.
Richard, a member of Wesham Road Runners, said he was amazed, if a little scared, by the bloodhounds.
He said: "I normally do cross country and fell running so the distance was no problem.
"In fact it was a good training run.
"What surprised me was the fact that the hounds could follow what they call a 'clean boot trail'.
"This means that they followed me just by my smell, which is just incredible. The hounds are amazing animals.
"The sound of them baying when they got close to me was a little scary though.
"I wouldn't like to be an escaped convict."
The human target idea has become more and more popular since fox hunting was banned two years ago.
Organiser Tony Dowdall said: "Since the hunting ban, the sport is actually becoming more and more popular with people doing what we call 'trail hunting'.
"The runner stands with the hounds so they can get to know his scent then he gets a 10-minute start to run off along a pre-planned route.
"The hounds are then released and follow him, with the hunt following the hounds. It gives the thrill of the chase without any harm to anyone."
The hunt, which took place on Saturday with more than 50 huntsmen in attendance, was the first of the year for Vale of Lune.
Great Eccleston Coun Peter Pimbley, whose son Alex is one of the hunt masters, added: "We had one of these last year riding over my land and some neighbouring farmland.
"The diehards would probably say that it isn't the same as a real hunt, but because we follow a pre-designed trail, you can put in more jumps.
"On a fox hunt you may not have to jump at all.
"It's a far greater test of your horsemanship, it's much more ethical and it was a great day out for all ages."
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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