The Hunter's Lass

A very early blip today! Once a year, about 100 horses and riders come up our road before breakfast! It's quite a spectacle as they are all immaculately groomed and shout 'Hoorah' whilst waving their hands at the expectant bystanders. The sun was shining and the waves of riders were a sight to be seen. I'm not sure where they all congregate, but before they pass our house there is the taking of the traditional Stirrup Cup and 2 blasts of the horn from the Town Hall Balcony. They then ride up to Penicuik House (of the High Pond ilk) where there is a Horn Blowing Ceremony and continue up into the Pentland Hills. What fun it would be to ride with them!

The happy lady is the Hunter's Lass 2011. The Hunter is hidden behind her, carrying the flag.

I was pleased to capture at least one of them in one photo as it was quite scary standing there while all these big horses went by at speed! The roses in the street benefit from the event!