Rivington, Horwich near Bolton, Lancashire. UK. 26th December, 2014: Susan Simmons from Preston who is the Senior Lady Master of the Holcombe Hunt, on her horse Taffy, at Rivington where Horses and riders gather for the annual traditional Boxing Day Hunt. Hunting with dogs was outlawed eight years ago, but many legal ‘hunts’ still continue. Horses and riders follow scented trails on a display of pomp and ceremony after Christmas. There was the usual parade around the fields in front of Rivington Barn before laying the trails and heading off to the moors. Credit: Cernan Elias / Alamy Live


Thousands of people are expected to attend traditional Boxing Day hunt meetings across the region. Hunting with dogs was outlawed ten years ago, but many legal ‘hunts’ still continue. Thousands of people are expected to attend traditional Boxing Day hunt meetings across the region. Horses and riders follow scented trails on a display of pomp and ceremony after Christmas. The Masters of Foxhounds Association have more than 200 meets listed across the country, including the annual Boxing Day hunt in Horwich, near Bolton. The Holcombe Hunt met at Rivington Barn, near Rivington, on Boxing Day for a noon start. The pack, which has been kenneled at Holcombe for over 200 years, is one of the oldest in the country. The hunt was granted a coat of arms in 1985, with the motto ‘Hunting and Conserving’. There was the usual parade around the fields in front of Rivington Barn before laying the trails and heading off to the moors. The 2004 Act made hunting with dogs a criminal offence, although exercising hounds and chasing scent trails are still legal. Anti-hunt campaigners say they do not object to Boxing Day meets, as long as they are lawful.


Size: 3509px × 2339px
Location: Rivington, Horwich near Bolton, Lancashire. UK.
Photo credit: © KeyWorded / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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