Meet The Team!
Masters
Sam Heighes, Senior Master
Jack Jennings, Master Huntsman
Hon Hunt Secretary
Gemma Maughan
Quarry Captain
Nick Hudson
For all enquiries about The Wessex Bloodhounds, please contact our friendly Hunt Secretary Gemma Maughan. Email: secretary@wessexbloodhounds.com
Phone: 07732 394389
Sam was always destined to be immersed in the hunting world from the outset, being initially press-ganged into the role of Hon Hunt Secretary, before joining the Mastership in 2015.
After years of experience working with horses, Sam came to her senses and moved to a better-paid, warmer and drier career in marketing but in her spare time is still firmly dedicated to the Wessex Bloodhounds in her role as Senior Master. She is following in the footsteps of her father, Jeremy Whaley.
Her years of experience, hard work and commitment to our sport means the Wessex Bloodhounds continues to be in safe hands!
Sam Heighes
Senior Master
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Jack's passion for hunting began in childhood with the South Downs Bloodhounds, where he quickly developed into a highly capable whipper-in. From an early age, it was clear that his natural affinity lay with horses and hounds and on leaving school, Jack went into hunt service, spending 8 years with foxhounds.
He then served as professional Huntsman with the New Forest Bloodhounds, enjoying 2 notably successful seasons which instilled deep expertise, along with a wry appreciation for the realities of hunt life; being perpetually tired and broke! Jack joined the Wessex Bloodhounds Mastership in 2025 where his experience, dedication and passion for our sport continue to shine.
Jack Jennings
Master Huntsman
Gemma left school at 18 and started her own livery yard business in the New Forest, which she successfully ran for 12 years whilst also competing and eventing.
After an accident forced her out of the saddle for a time she decided on a new career direction and joined LeMieux. Shortly after this, Gemma met Jack who "got her into hunting" and she hasn't looked back since!
Now firmly back in the saddle, she can been seen behind a pair of bay ears and is always happy to lend a hand, whether that's on the yard, out hunting or wherever she's needed.
Gemma joined the Wessex Bloodhounds in 2025 as Honorary Hunt Secretary.
Gemma Maughan
Hon Hunt Secretary
Tom started following bloodhounds in 2021, riding in the field and being mostly out of control. His horse's determination to be up with the hounds led to him being invited to ride 'up front' in 2022 by previous Master and Huntsman, Jeremy Whaley. Tom has ridden a series of horses over the years, learning to whip in and also helping at kennels to get to know the hounds. He also has previous experience whipping in for Jack at the New Forest, so he knows exactly what he's letting himself in for in 2026.
Tom Hasted
Amateur Whip
Aoife began her hunting career in 2021 when she was encouraged by a friend to try hunting the clean boot and it's safe to say that she had found her calling! She spent the following season hunting a range of young and inexperienced ponies that she was helping to produce, before finding her current steed, Petal, in 2023.
You can now find this wonderful pairing out with the Wessex Bloodhounds every week having the time of their lives!
Aoife has always loved hound work and started helping out at kennels to broaden her experience, leading her to take the natural step to whipping in and plying her trade 'up front' with the hounds.
Aoife Fowler
Amateur Whip
Nick started off with the hunt as a mounted subscriber, riding a brute of a horse called Cobi (named after the 1992 Olympic mascot). Regularly seen out of control, eventually passing the Field Master, the Huntsman, the hounds and the Quarries, Nick decided he might have a bit more control of the pace if he got off his horse and ran!