Horses, hounds and riders saddled up as one of the world's oldest hunts opened its new season.
More than 150 mounted hunt followers gathered at the Quorn Hunt's kennels, in Kirby Bellars, near Melton.
They spent the morning chasing a scented trail laid over a designated course to mark the start of five months of hunting.
Forty of the women rode sidesaddle.
They were led by Emma Brown, 41, from Seagrave.
She said: "It's an old tradition for female hunt followers which is rather rare these days. But it's something were are trying to promote to keep it going.
"I think our youngest rider was 12 and we also had a lady travel from Belgium to join us, which was marvellous.
"It felt great to be back in the saddle and to see so many people having fun."
The hunt will meet four times a week until the end of March, with the traditional highlight being the Boxing Day meet.
