Hemyock Castle
Ancient Heart of the Blackdowns

Boxing Day 2004: Hemyock's Last Hunt?

Chestnuts

Photo of chestnut horses at Hemyock's Boxing Day Meet.

Hemyock's traditional Boxing Day Meet was held on Monday 27th December 2004. (They do not hunt on Sundays.) Following the new Hunting with Dogs Act, this could have been their last Boxing Day Meet.

Hemyock's Pump

Photo of horses at Hemyock's Boxing Day Meet.

The "Taunton Vale Harriers" with 120 riders and crowds of people thronged the centre of Hemyock.

St. Mary's Church

Crowds by St. Mary's Church

Traditionally, the Harrier's "Master" wears green rather than "Hunting Pink."

"The Master"

The "Master" at Hemyock's Boxing Day Meet

The Catherine Wheel provided traditional "Stirrup Cups" and refreshments.

"Whipped in"

Hounds at Hemyock's Boxing Day Meet

The hunt rode south from Hemyock, catching two foxes.

The Hunting with Dogs Act came into force at midnight on 17th February: The Taunton Vale Harriers' meet at Hemyock on 19th February was for hound exercise. The Harriers' season ended on 7th March, ready for their point-to-point.

Boxing Day 2005: After the Ban

Hemyock Castle, Hemyock, CULLOMPTON, Devon, EX15 3RJ, UK.
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