Kent & Surrey Bloodhounds

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The Hunt
The Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds were formed in 1990; their country ranges over parts of Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire. 

Our aim is to provide the mounted followers with the traditional thrill of riding across natural country behind a driving pack of hounds, to give our foot followers corresponding excitement and at all times to treat our farming hosts with the consideration and courtesy their generosity deserves.

Bill Kear, Senior Master and Huntsman, kennels the hounds at his home in Partridge Lane, Newdigate. When the pack was formed there were four and a half couple of hounds drafted from the Coakham Bloodhounds, which was founded by the late Neil Wates. There are now 12 couple of hounds in kennels.

The hunting season runs from September until the end of March and these hounds hunt the “clean boot”, this means that no artificial scent is used; they hunt the natural scent of man only.

When the pack are fit and ready to hunt all that is required are “The Quarry”, this involves Adrian Sole and Mike Borer who are the regular runners for the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds. 

The Quarry are responsible for running a previously agreed route, this is usually planned the day before.  The huntsman and runners will walk the country sometimes as much as ten to fifteen miles. 

The meet is at 12:30pm every Sunday either at the pub or a lawn meet by kind invitation of a landowner.  A glass of Whisky Mac or Port soon warms the coldest of feet! The Quarry are given 20 minutes grace before the hounds are laid on the scent.  This is usually on the edge of a field or just inside a gateway. 

Depending on the country there are three or for hunts of approximately 3 to 5 miles each, crossing country comprising of timber and natural hedges.  When the hounds find the Quarry they are rewarded with biscuits, there is a 20 minute check at the end of each hunt for the Quarry to run the next hunt and for hounds and horses to recover.

The hounds and horses are boxed are made comfortable and hungry riders consume tea in a barn or in someone’s kitchen.  The Quarry are always given priority and consume gallons of tea!

Meet: Sundays 12 noon  

Cap: adults £50, students 17 and under £25.

Subscription: £550. Point to Point on Application.

Meet Card on the Website