Hunting Mad

01/05/2025

May the sound of hounds continue for many more seasons……wishing you all a good 25-26 season and thank you for your continued support.

On the 1st of May we thank all retiring Masters, Hunt Staff and Officials for all you have done for our sport and wish you well in your chosen next chapter of life.

To those remaining in their roles, or taking on new ones for the forthcoming season we thank you for your dedication and commitment.

For those who are moving on to new pastures we wish you good luck.

The BHSA are always available to help and answer any questions. Membership is available and details will be sent to all Masters, Hunt Staff and Officials. Supporters can find more information here;

https://bhsa.org.uk/membership-account/membership-levels/

Photo credit Richard Ricardo Marwood Equine

26/03/2025

Before you take your hunt coat to the cleaners, don’t forget to wrap your hunt buttons with foil so your hunt logo doesn’t turn black with the heat!!!

06/03/2025

Well done Sparkle 🤩

18/02/2025

20 years have now passed,
Since the day some assumed to be our last.
Oh how wrong could they be,
For through the ears of a horse our countryside we still see.
With breathtaking support,
There will be no expiration date for our sport.
Our hounds continue to sing,
And forever this will bring,
A smile to the face of all those blessed to see.
For now, and for all eternity.

- CFH
❤️

31/12/2024

01/11/2024

Wishing you all a very happy & fun season. Let’s hope we all enjoy our days as much as these two have on Dartmoor.
Make every day count & get out there whilst we still can. 😊

Going home. What a wonderful picture hacking home, with the Spooners and West Dartmoor hunt.

📷Rachel Crocker

14/10/2024

With Newcomers Week and the new season fast approaching, please read!….Things you may need to know!

With thanks to Chris DB and the Holcombe Harriers.

HUNTING ETIQUETTE

The tradition of hunting usually involves a lot of etiquette but do not be worried! A lot of it is common sense and safety! It is important to remember and pay your respects to the farmers and landowners that let us cross their land, BE POLITE; as without them we wouldn't be able to go hunting! Also please support our venues, buy a drink or food!

▪️Please arrive promptly, with plenty of time. Hounds will set off at the set “meet” time advertised. DO NOT be late ⏰
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▪️When you arrive to the meet please make yourself known to the secretary. N.B It may be essential to book your place beforehand to confirm the venue and your place.
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▪️If you have any questions on the day, one of the Masters, Members or the Secretary will be there to help you
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▪️Give priority to hounds and hunt staff - listen for any instructions HOUNDS ARE GOD!

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▪️Follow your Fieldmaster, listen to their instructions. Stay behind them at all times!

▪️Horses should be smartly turned out & clean, (plaited if possible, except for pre - season.) HOOF OIL is a must!
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▪️A green ribbon should be worn in your horses tail if it is young or inexperienced and a red ribbon if your horse is prone to kick. If you wear a red ribbon please ensure that you stay at the back of the field
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▪️When jumping give Members, Ladies & the person in front of you enough time to clear the fence, this is especially important when jumping larger fences. Queue for the fence, do not cut anyone up! Same applies through gateways. Most meets have “optional” fences so you don’t have to jump if you don’t want to & there will be a “Non Jumping Fieldmaster” on duty if anyone is wanting an easier day.
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▪️Report any broken fences as soon as safe to do so to the field master - it’s not a crime, it just needs replacing

▪️Always turn your horse’s head to face hounds.
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▪️All car followers must stay on roads and tracks, do not venture onto farmland, unless expressively asked to do so by one of the hunt staff

▪️Please thank and say good night to Masters & Supporters at the end of the day, especially land owners!
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‼️DRESS CODE ‼️
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▪️Pre - Season - hacking jackets, tweed or rat catchers with a shirt and tie, beige jodhpurs, long boots.
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▪️Hunting - formal dress - black/blue jackets, white stock, beige jodhpurs, long boots
Juniors or guests - tweed jacket, tie, beige jodhpurs
Hairnets must be warn by ladies and girls for hunting!

10/10/2024

Are you Autumn Hunting & Opening Meet ready? Huge range of essentials such as stocks, oiled wool & cotton gloves, hat velvets, hairnets here for you when you need them.

10/10/2024

A lap of honour & a hunting horn always get me! Enjoy….

17/07/2024

Further to the King’s Speech, this was a brilliant speech from Peterborough today.

17/07/2024

01/05/2024

Happy new 24/25 hunting season to all my hunting customers old & new. Let’s enjoy it whilst we can 😊

With 1st May now upon us, the Countryside Alliance wishes all members of hunt staff, Masters and those taking on an official role within their hunt, all the very best for the coming season. Thanks, as always, must go to all those who have stepped down from an official role and to those who have dedicated their lives to hunting with hounds but who have now retired or changed careers. We continue to be grateful for everyone who works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare in hunt kennels and stables and look forward to the start of the 2024/25 season.

Those fully employed in fieldsports, including hunt staff, are entitled to discounted Countryside Alliance membership. Find out more here… https://eu1.hubs.ly/H08Tlwk0

📷Hattie Austin Sport Photographer