Can anyone please explain to me how banning foxhunting will damage the rural economy and, as hunt supporters are claiming, put thousands of people out of work?

I ask this seriously because it is one of the prime points mentioned time and time again by those who wish to continue the activity and I find it very difficult to believe.

I have lived in country areas nearly all my life and can honestly say I know very few people whose entire livelihood is in any way connected with the actual hunt.

Yes, there are those who work, own, or are in some way involved with horses. In many cases these horses are hunters and take part in the hunt. But surely those who enjoy riding will not give up just because they are no longer allowed to hunt foxes? There are many pleasures to be had without the necessity to take part in killing wild animals for pleasure, and plenty of countryside to ride around.

Indeed, thousands of people own horses and take part in many other equine activities without ever taking part in hunting. Thousands of children enjoy gymkhanas and other riding events. I can't see that horse riding is in any way endangered by a ban on hunting.

I can appreciate that those who are directly responsible for caring for hounds might be affected, but surely this is a very small number. Fox hunting doesn't involve gamekeeping, nor does it require full time workers to ensure that there are enough foxes for hunters to chase.

Like many others I can scarcely believe that the rural economy will collapse if small groups of privileged people are stopped from galloping around the countryside following a pack of dogs. And yet at last year's Royal Cornwall Show I overheard someone saying that there would be no horses at subsequent shows if hunting was banned. Why?

F. G Greenaway,

Torpoint