The Romney Marsh and East Sussex Hunt paid its annual visit to Rye this week, with horses and hounds clattering through the High Street to be welcomed by supporters and onlookers in the Mermaid car park.
As always, it was a colourful sight with riders in red and black astride horses, some still with their shaggy winter coats and others immaculately groomed. The hounds, of course, loved being out and were their usual friendly selves, happy to say hello to all the non-mounted humans.
This year the Mermaid did everyone proud with drinks (whisky-mac and port - just the right choices for a cold day) together with hot sausage rolls and other tasty nibbles being passed round to both spectators and riders alike.
After thirty minutes or so of stirrup cup and chat, the first signs of wanting to get moving came from the hounds who did their best, as only dogs know how, to to inform everybody that it was time to get going. And so with clattering of hooves and joyful barking, the Hunt set off down the Mint and on to the Marsh.
The only notable absence this year was that of the usual friendly uniformed Bobby - there in the past ready to step in just in case anyone got a little over-excited. Funding cuts had doubtless precluded their attendance, but on this occasion all were on their best behaviour and a Police presence was not required.
Photos: John Minter
