30 THE GOOD LIFE SEPTEMBER 2014 Sporting pursuits
Three great ways to show your love for Great British country sports
T
he Great British countryside has for centuries been the home to sporting pursuits
and craſt s. Whether you
choose to celebrate this by getting outdoors to participate or by donning the latest clothing and accessories, we showcase three of the fi nest upholders of this venerable tradition. Few sounds evoke country life more potently
than the cracks of 12-bores on a dewy September morning as a cloud of grouse break cover over the moorland. T e Glorious 12th is of course an iconic date in the fi eld sport calendar but grouse are far from the only quarry. Partridges, ptarmigans, ducks and geese are among the other wildfowl that fi nd themselves in the fi ring line when their respective season opens. For fi eld sports enthusiasts who can’t wait,
however, clay pigeon shooting is a great way to keep your eye in. T ere’s more to it than simply blasting the clay targets that spring from ‘traps’ — there are 20 diff erent forms, like Down-the- Line (the most popular type, where the clay is fi red from a fi xed height) and Universal Trench (the clay is fi red at random angles and elevations from a trench). Take up clay pigeon shooting and you’ll fi nd a far broader range of participants than ever before, thanks to Brit Peter Wilson, who became the youngest ever competitor in the men’s double trap event when he took his place at the 2012 London Olympics. And won gold!
The Good life recommends:
• British Equestrian Federation: We all know that getting in shape requires commitment, but by taking up a sport that’s also fun and mentally stimulating, you’re benefi ting from the best of both worlds. Horse- riding is an excellent way to exercise and get fi t. It strengthens all your core body muscles, tones the all-important tum and bum areas and provides a relaxing cardiovascular workout in the fresh air. Kick-starting your day with a hack or
a schooling session to increase oxygen to your brain, reduce the risk of disorders that lead to memory loss, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and release chemicals from the brain that help to boost positive reactions. T e serotonin and endorphins that are produced are natural mood enhancers, both of which lead to a feeling of wellbeing during and aſt er exercise.
www.bef.co.uk
• British Champions Day — a raceday like no other: It’s the fi nale of the fl at racing season, the richest raceday in the British calendar and the chance to see the world’s fi nest horses and jockeys battle it out for their slice of history. Quite simply, there’s no other place to be on Saturday 18 October
than Ascot racecourse for the QIPCO British Champions Day. With nearly £4m in the prize pot, the day
is expected to attract the world’s fi nest equine talent, including the highest-rated horse in Europe, Kingman, and Her Majesty the Queen’s popular fi lly, Estimate. Rivalries that have sparked all season will fi nally be decided with the stars of the Flat racing season battling it out to be crowned champion in one of fi ve championship races, including the world’s top rated race, the QIPCO Champion Stakes. With scores to settle, reputations at stake and history beckoning, it’s the greatest drama on one of the world’s greatest stages. To experience the drama, passion and
excitement of QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot racecourse on Saturday 18 October, book your tickets today at
www.britishchampionsseries.com
• Fur Feather & Fin: T e very best sporting accessories, clothing and giſt s by a country mile can be found at Fur Feather & Fin, including a fantastic selection of exclusively designed luxury leather shooting accessories, exclusive leather luggage and stunning county clothing for men and women. You’ll also fi nd more than 3,000 stylish and luxury giſt ideas online. www.furfeatherandfi
n.com
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