The region’s traditional festive hunts fell to the Wales-wide Covid restrictions limiting crowds to 50 or less.

The Monmouthshire Hunt’s December 27 meeting in Abergavenny, and New Year’s day meeting in Monmouth, which starts at the castle, were both hit, alongside the Curre and Llangibby Hunt’s post-Christmas meet in Devauden.

Juliette Evans, joint-master of the Curre and Llangibby, said: “Although we understand the need to restrict numbers at gatherings, it was disappointing to have to cancel our public meet this year because it is usually a very social event which is an integral part of the festivities for local farmers and the wider rural community.”

While hundreds usually attend the annual festive meets, which were also shelved last year thanks to the ongoing pandemic, hunts across the border in England went ahead as normal.

Ross Harriers celebrated their 200th anniversary by meeting in the town centre on December 27 cheered on by a large crowd, while nearby Ledbury also went ahead, despite security guards being hired to ensure the safety of hunters amid a demonstration by protestors.

Rural organisation the Countryside Alliance said most of the planned festive trail-hunting meets in Wales were called off, though some hunts met with riders and horses only.

A spokesperson said announcing the cancellations: “In line with government rules and under the guidance of the Hunting Office, packs in Wales, where outdoor gatherings are now limited to 50 people, will no longer be able to host their traditional and public Boxing Day and New Year’s Day meets where large gatherings may take place.

“Instead, where possible, new arrangements have been put in place for hunting activities to be organised safely for participants only and without large crowds. Some hunts, however, will cancel this year but hope to be back next year.’’

“This is of course incredibly disappointing for everybody involved, as festive meets are a big boost both socially and economically for local businesses that rely on the footfall.”