and the whole glorious institution of foxes and hounds, pinks and cups, brasses and leather, is threatened with extinction ... which would be welcome by some (including foxes) and seen by others as a further sign that the end is near.

Oh goodness sakes alive ... hasn't anyone thought of the possibilities in organized re-enactments? Without a fox of course! Just the nifty "pinks" and the pretty posturings and the ab fab horses. AND - Would hate to see the demise of the stirrup cup.
Don't know about you but a stirrup cup calms my nerves delightfully when I am about to embark on a trip!