Traditional country pursuit enjoys its very own ladies day

Female riders from Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire were among those who took part in the inaugural event organised by the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt.

After meeting for breakfast, five ladies rode side-saddle as the contingent - which did feature some male riders too - rode out from the newly refurbished and reopened Cock Inn at Mugginton on the edge of the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, where they returned afterwards.

Rachael Morley, joint secretary of the Meynell and South Staffs Hunt which has origins dating back to the 18th century, said she was delighted by the support that the country’s hunting community showed for the maiden event.

Miss Morley said: “We advertised the event on our website and we have been overwhelmed by the amount of people who wanted to come and join in.

“It was a very busy day but I thoroughly enjoyed organising it and meeting people.

“Other hunts in other counties have tried holding a ladies day and we thought about it and decided it was something we wanted to try too.”

Miss Morley added: “We have had a lot of very positive feedback. It was a lovely day and it would be great to hold another one in the future.”