Southern Shires Bloodhounds

The days hunting is organised by the Joint Masters, with the permission of all land owners and farmers over whose land the hunt crosses that particular day. From there it is down to the skill of the quarry to run the line, and the hounds assisted by the huntsman to hunt the line, so keeping the art of "Venery" alive. (the art of hunting hounds) The Field Master will take the mounted field across the country saftley, and adhering to the Landowners and Farmers wishes. A days hunting can invlove from 3 to 6 lines, each line can vary from 1 to 5 miles long. The length and distance of each line is very much deterimined by the layout of the land that is going to be hunted across, i.e roads, rivers, crops and the landowners wishes.

When hunting with The Southern Shires Bloodhounds, we try to keep the hunting as natural as possible, therefore jumping varies from none at all, to days full of jumping, it will always depend on where the quarry takes us. Jumping takes place in the form of natural hadges, ditches, walls, post and rail and rivers. There are always ways around for the novice rider or horse, so everyone attending a days hunting with The Southern Shires Bloodhounds can still enjoy "the chase".
The Southern Shires Bloodhounds meet Sundays at 1200 noon moving off at 1230. There are occasional bye days.

The hounds are managed like any other pack of hounds. They are walked on foot off season,in the autumn their exercise is gradually extended and made quicker with the use of bikes. Once the horses are fit enough, then the hounds will then begin mounted hound exercise until the opening meet, usually the last weekend in October.
They are then walked on foot Mon,Weds, Fri, and go out on mounted hound exercise Tues,Thurs and Sat. This will go on throughout the hunting season, until about the end of March where they are let down ready for their Summer break.
During the Summer months the hounds are paraded at shows in Southern England as part of a PR exercise for the hunt, hunting and the Countryside Alliance.

For those who go hunitng, they get the chance to ride over countryside, that would not normally be open to them, in the company of horses and hounds who are doing what they were evolved and bred to do.
This is best summed up by the spectacle of a pack of Bloodhounds in full cry. It is indeed a wonderful sight.

Happy children during a childrens meet 2002

All followers and supporters, whether mounted or on foot, are reminded that all hunting is entirely dependent on the goodwill of landowners and farmers. It is therefore of the utmost importance to have respect for any and all property.

PLEASE NOTE

All gates must be shut whether or not there is live stock in the field. All hunt followers may be sked to take their turn in gate shutting
It is not a crme to break a fence. It is, not to report it.
If someone is holding a gate open or helping at a road crossing, be courteous and say "thankyou" it may be the farmer or landowner over whose land you are hunting.
Please thank all waiting traffic, it may not be so patient next time.
Please listen to, and adhere to. all of the field masters wishes, do ont pass him of her. Hounds are very timid and if ridden over they may never hunt again.
Please give way to all hunt staff and hounds, remember you need them in front. Try to find out who your hunt staff are for the day before you set off hunting.
If you are unsure then please ask, everyone is happy to help.
All damages to gates and fences must be reported to the field master. Damage to any boundary fence must be temporarily repaired and made stock proof.
Always walk through farm yards to avoid disturbing or frightening stock. Also take care when entering and crossing fields with grazing stock, so that they are not unduly disturbed.
Wire MUST NOT be cut, except in exceptional circumstances, and afterwards MUST BE made stock proof and reported to any of the Joint Masters or huntsman.
If entry into a field of growing seed or winter corn is unavoidable, mounted followers must keep to the headland at all times.
If you are riding a horse that kicks, please tie a red ribbon in its tail. If you are riding a novice/young horse out hunting for the first time and are unsure whether it kicks, please tie a green ribbin in its tail.
traffic must not be impeded.
Non jumping followers will follow a route as laid down by the person in charge for the day.
Car followers are asked not to obstuct passing motorists and to park with consideration.
Foot followers must remember never to cross the line taken by the quarry.
Horseboxes must not unload onto private land unless prior permission has been gained.
Horseboxes are requested to unload in an area nominated by the Joint Masters, specific to each meet. If no area is given then please unbox at least 1/2 a mile from the meet. Please ring 07887 554497/01189 326028 for furthur details.