Get in touch with us at secretary@wessexbloodhounds.com
Come hunting with the Wessex Bloodhounds!
We pride ourselves on being a very friendly hunt where everyone is welcome to ride with us!
If you are coming out with The Wessex Bloodhounds for the first time and aren't sure what to expect, then please see below for some of the most frequently asked questions. If you are unsure about anything else, then please contact
our friendly Hunt Secretary Gemma Maughan.
Email: secretary@wessexbloodhounds.com
Phone: 07732 394389
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the history of the hunt?
The Wessex Bloodhounds' origins began in Scotland when Jeremy Whaley formed The Borders Bloodhounds in 2002. In 2004, Jeremy brought his hounds down South and formed the South Downs Bloodhounds where they hunted for 20 years before being rebranded as The Wessex Bloodhounds in 2025. The name reflects the very wide area over which the hunt regularly operates, which includes Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey, Wiltshire and Somerset.
Jeremy sadly retired at the end of the 2025/26 season, but the Wessex Bloodhounds continues on with a new team who you can read all about here:
What is following bloodhounds all about?
Unlike drag or trail hunting, which follow manufactured liquid scents that are applied to the ground either on a piece of cloth dragged across the ground, or dripped onto the ground, our bloodhounds hunt the natural scent of human runners that neither wear nor drag any form of manufactured scent. These human runners are known as 'Quarries' and this form of hunting is known as 'hunting the clean boot'.​ Riders then follow the hounds, under guidance of a Field Master, where they get to enjoy cantering and jumping across country whilst watching the hounds as they puzzle out where the Quarries have gone.
The Wessex Bloodhounds is a member of the Clean Boot Hunting Association (CBHA) and follows legal, humane and public verifiable practices.
What happens during a day following bloodhounds?
The Wessesx Bloodhounds Meet at 12pm unless otherwise notified. This means you need to be on your horse and at the Meet by 12pm at the latest, so please arrive at the parking in enough time to achieve this. When you arrive, you should say good morning to the Masters (the correct greeting being "Good morning Master" even if you know them personally). You will see the Quarries who will then set off on a pre-determined route that has been decided by the Huntsman and Masters. You will be offered a glass of port and some delicious snacks and have a chance to chat to your fellow riders while the Quarries get a 'head start'. One of the Masters will then welcome everyone, thank the landowners and offer information and instructions about the day. It is very important that you are quiet and listen carefully to what the Master says. The Master will then say "Hounds please!" and the Huntsman will blow the horn and lead the hounds to the first hunt. Any time the Master says "Field please!" you should follow them. The hounds will then set to work to find the route the Quarries have taken, under control of the Huntsman who is assisted by the whips. The Field Master will lead the field of riders to follow. There will be 3 or 4 hunts during the day, with a break of about 20 minutes in between, so we normally finish the day around 3:30pm / 4pm.​
Do I have to gallop?
No. The pace will vary during the day but you should be comfortable cantering in a group. If you like to ride faster then you can position yourself towards the front of the field. If you prefer to go at a more sedate pace, you can stay towards the back where you will find yourself in good company with those who prefer to take it more steady.
Do I have to jump?
Absolutely not! All jumps on our country are optional and range from 2' rails to 5' hedges, depending on the Meet. Most of the jumps are between 2'3"(70cm) and 2'9"(90cm). If you have any questions about specific Meets, please contact Gemma our Hunt Secretary.
What should I wear?
If it’s your first time riding with us, then don't worry - you do not need all of the correct kit! All we ask is that you are safely dressed in neutral or dark riding gear and that your horse is clean and tidy. If you enjoy riding with us and want to come out more regularly, then here is a description of hunting attire, which is worn from Opening Meet onwards:
-
Black or navy hard hat or a skull cap with black or navy silk
-
Black or navy jacket or hunt coat
-
Light coloured shirt with white stock and a stock pin
-
Gloves; black, brown or white
-
Buff or fawn breeches/jodhpurs
-
Plain black boots
-
Spurs & crop (optional)
-
Hairnet (ladies)
-
Children should wear a tweed jacket with dark coloured stock and stock pin or shirt and tie
-
Body protectors are optional
-
Horses: All horses must be clean and tidy. Plaiting is preferred, but not essential. Tack should be plain black or brown, with a black or brown saddlecloth to match.
-
Ribbons: If you know your horse routinely kicks others then you must not bring it out with us. If your horse is normally alright, but might be liable to kick, it should wear a red ribbon at the top of its tail. If it is a young horse and you are not sure of its temperament it should wear a green ribbon. If your horse wears a red ribbon it MUST be kept at the BACK of the field.
Can my family and friends come and watch?
Yes of course! We actively encourage foot followers and have our own Hunt Supporters Club. For a small fee, you can join this to support the hunt and will be emailed a map of the routes to be taken each week so that you can follow round on foot. To minimise environmental impact, we do ask that foot followers car share and recommend bringing a car suitable for off road driving.
For more information about how to join the Hunt Club, click here:
