Scores see first Albrighton and Woodland hunt meet of season

The Albrighton and Woodland hunt got together for the first meet of the season over the weekend and more than 100 riders headed out on the trail.

They met at Enville Hall near Stourbridge for the 20 mile hunt which was led by around 28 hounds.

It was also the first meet since the Albrighton Woodland Hunt and Albrighton Hunt reunited.

They had originally been one hunt, but were split in 1908. In May this year the bosses of both hunts decided to join together again. Secretary of the Albrighton Woodland Hunt, Julian

Hall said: "Originally they were split due to the distance between the two areas.

"But now due to improvements in transport and people being quite happy to travel a bit further, it was decided it would be more practical to join together. It means we can hold more meets during the year, and of course makes the meets more sociable."

The trails were laid both before and during the hunt, which meant the dogs were able to pick up the scents easily.

He added: "It was fantastic first meet. There were lots of riders, and the numbers are increasing.

"We had around 100 horses, but there were probably around another 100 well wishers and supporters who met at Enville Hall. A lot of people had not seen each other since the last meet in March, so it was a great social occasion."

The riders ranged in age from just seven years old to riders in their 70s, and they all enjoyed refreshments before and after the hunt.