A hound called Sparkle has made history as the first working foxhound to compete at Crufts – and was named best of breed.

The Percy Hunt’s old English foxhound topped the foxhound class yesterday (6 March), in which no other entrant was a working hound, with Percy huntsman Robert McCarthy.

“Sparkle is an adorable hound,” Robert said. “She works hard all season and is always full of beans but also totally obedient.

“She loves everyone and she is friends with all the horses and other hounds too. I knew she could be relied on to perform well, but it is a very different environment for her with all the people, the noise and the lights. I am absolutely delighted to win best of breed.”

The British Hound Sports Association’s (BHSA) Adrian Dangar told H&H he encouraged Robert to enter Sparkle, to help showcase the foxhound to the wider public.

“The judge said afterwards she was the best example of a foxhound he’d seen in the show ring for a long time,” he said, adding that Robert “deserves a medal for his dedication”, having registered Sparkle with the Kennel Club, won his Crufts qualifier, and then left home at about 3.30am on Thursday morning and got back at after midnight.

A BHSA spokesperson added: “The pedigrees of all foxhounds belonging to BHSA-registered hunts are recorded in the Foxhound Kennel Studbook and can be traced back to the mid-18th century.

“The Percy Hunt is a working pack following scent trails across the Northumbrian countryside twice a week from September to March. The hunt is an accredited member of the BHSA, which champions hound welfare and is the governing body for trail hunting.

“The British Hound Sports Association has promoted greater transparency and inclusivity for all trail hunts, and competing at Crufts is an integral part of this process.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

A stewards’ enquiry, a human athlete and enthusiastic puppies star at hound racing event

‘The Olympics of hunting’: why you should visit the Festival of Hunting

First trail-hunting trials day celebrated best practice and hounds’ music

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A stewards’ enquiry, runners taking their own line – led over fences by a human athlete – and much Prosecco featured on the Cheshire Hunt’s hound racing afternoon.

Crowds gathered at the Cheshire’s kennels on 13 October to cheer on 54 hounds in nine races organised by the Cheshire Hunt Supporters, huntsman Robert Truscott and his partner Rebecca Connor, and whipper-in Huw Foulkes-Humphreys.

“The clerk of the course had inspected the going on the right-handed track and declared it good to soft,” hunt member Rachel Cooke told H&H. “Race-goers gathered around the parade ring to discuss the market movers, the favourites and the outsiders.”

Rachel said the hounds were loaded into the “starting gates”, aka the old hound trailer.

“The starter’s flag went down and the huntsman blew his horn, then ran in front of them, calling them on with his horn,” she said. “Undoubtedly the huntsman was at the heart of the sport leaping over the gated fence in every race.”

The first two races on the card were the bitch and dog hound puppies, aged six to eight months.

“These caused much amusement with a few refusing to start and a couple taking their own line,” Rachel said. “A stewards’ enquiry was opened and adjourned as there were no objections.

“The bookies became more competitive as the race card progressed. Final declarations were submitted for two divisions of second and third season dogs and bitches, mixed third season and above, two divisions of the open bitch race and finally the veterans’ race. Postman took the fastest dog hound of the day and Bloomer the fastest bitch hound.”

The winning sponsors were each given a bottle of Prosecco, a rosette and a photograph with the winning hound, after which spectators took full advantage of the bar and barbecue, and children tried out the course themselves.

“The afternoon was described by a hunt supporter as ‘a truly great old-fashioned country day out’,” Rachel said. “Thank you to everyone who helped and supported the day, raising funds for a new hound trailer.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Pau five-star, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Proudly showcasing their qualities’: first working harriers qualify for Crufts

First trail-hunting trials day celebrated best practice and hounds’ music

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Dog, pooch, mutt, Fido, pup, Rover or hound – there are many names we can apply to man’s best friend. But they’re not necessarily accurate, with some of these names actually being technical terms. While most of these names are generic, there is a difference between hound breeds and dogs.

Hounds vs dogs

A hound is a dog, but a dog is not always a hound. Hounds are distinct from other groups of dogs in their exceptional ability to hunt and track live prey. There are two main types of hound, sighthounds and scent hounds, and both have a strong prey drive.

Sighthounds

These hounds rely on their eyesight to spot motion from a considerable distance and their impressive speed to pursue their prey. They are typically very athletic and lean, with small heads, deep chests and narrow waists, being built to run fast. The more commonly known sighthounds are whippets and greyhounds; other less familiar breeds are salukis, Irish wolfhounds, borzois and Spanish galgos.

Unlike scent hounds, sighthounds tend to be quiet. Due to spotting their prey from afar and zooming up on them by speed and stealth, a loud voice is not required.

They tend to run extremely fast – up to 40mph – for a comparatively short time, and then be happy to spend the rest of the day snoozing. Sighthounds take the majority of top spots when the fastest dog breeds are ranked.

Scent hounds

These hounds rely on their sense of smell and endurance to hunt down and track their prey, in the form of lines or trails in the hunting field. Stamina is their key physical attribute, over the speed of the sighthounds.

They typically have huge noses with wide nostrils that give them superior sense of smell. Their ears tend to be longer and droopier than other breeds – these capture scent as they trail on the ground, and waft it towards the nose, enabling them to hunt even more efficiently. They are heavier, stockier dogs than the lithe sighthounds, and lower to the ground, making them closer to the trail of the scent. Scent hounds such as foxhounds and harriers, that have been selectively bred to hunt trails with riders on horseback, will have longer legs for increased speed than those who accompany hunters on foot, such as basset hounds and beagles.

Because of their exceptional scenting ability, scent hounds can also be trained as sniffer dogs. Bloodhounds, for example, have 300 million scent receptors, more than any other breed.

Scent hounds are bred to hunt in packs, and therefore they not only have a good nose, but a great voice. This is so that they can alert their handler and the rest of the pack that they have picked up a certain scent – but it’s not always deemed quite so musical in a domestic setting!

If the dog hunts, is it a hound?

There are other types of dog used in hunting situations that are not hounds. For example, spaniels, labradors and retrievers are very popular working dogs, used for shooting. Once, for example, the pheasant has fallen, the working dog will use his scent to find the dead bird and bring it back to his handler. Whereas hounds hunt down live prey, either by scent or sight, rather than retrieving fallen prey.

Hounds have been bred over hundreds of years to work independently. They are certainly trainable, but both sight and scent hounds tend to have a one-track mind once they have their eyes or nose on their prey, and can be difficult to distract from the job they were bred to do. While hounds are primarily working dogs, they can make great pets in a knowledgeable home.

You may also enjoy reading…

Hounds come in all shapes and sizes (just don’t call them dogs…)

All about the beagle

All about the bloodhound

All about the foxhound

All about the greyhound

A beginner’s guide to trail hunting: all your key questions answered

10 British dog breeds everyone should own (at least one at some point in life)

Meet 7 of the largest dog breeds on the planet

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

THE first British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) Trail-Hunting Hound Trials was not only “a showcase of best practice” but also demonstrating the quality of hunting’s governance.

Three hunts took part in the competition, held in Gloucestershire on 30 October, to show their hounds’ skills in following a laid trail. Some 300 people gathered as the packs, each of which was given an area of land an an hour to lay a trail, went into action.

Matt Ramsden, joint-master and huntsman of the Duke of Beaufort’s, and Philip Hague, professional huntsman of the VWH, were mounted to judge the Cheshire Forest, hunted by Tom Wright, the East Essex under huntsman Gary Thorpe and the Crawley and Horsham, hunted by joint-master and huntsman Richard Gurney. The packs were judged on accuracy, voice, drive, cohesion and casting.

First prize went to the Cheshire Forest.

“All three packs were put under quite difficult conditions today in that they were all hunting on ‘Cotswold brash’, and arable brash at that, which their hounds would not be used to,” Mr Ramsden said. “Add into that a lot of wind, and under those conditions the Cheshire Forest kept themselves up together, made some lovely hound music and cast themselves beautifully, and as a result of that stuck to their trail very well indeed.”

Each pack used a different scent mixture and a different way of laying the trail; a runner, a quad bike and a combination of both.

Mr Thorpe said: “We introduce the young hounds to trails over the summer. I couldn’t be more pleased with how they hunted a fresh country today.”

BHSA managing director Oliver Hughes told H&H: “It seems to me really important the hunting community comes up with proactive ideas to demonstrate that trail-hunting is a well regulated, well managed, fun, healthy activity.”

He added: “This is a showcase of best practice in modern hunting. Coming from a professional polo background [he was formerly deputy chief executive of the Hurlingham Polo Association], I see it as a logical progression to introduce a competitive element for hunts to demonstrate skills and techniques as well as types of hounds and different scents.

“Today has been a great success and a fun day out. I hope that this can be used as a template for future events to build on and we will see this will become one of several annual events across the country. Hunts compete against each other at the hound shows each summer, and now we can establish a new tradition of competition that demonstrates the wonderful abilities for which our hounds have been so carefully bred for hundreds of years.”

You might also be interested in:

New governance is planned for hunting

‘A constructive step forward for hunting’: assessment and accreditation in pipeline for hunts

‘Proudly showcasing their qualities’: first working harriers qualify for Crufts

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Holcombe Hunt has become the first working harrier pack to compete in a Crufts qualifier — and earn their place at the final.

The pack “proudly showcased the many qualities and attributes of the harrier breed” in a Crufts qualifier show class at the Blackpool Canine Society Dog Show on 25 June.

Harriers returned to the Crufts ring this year for the first time since 1898, but these are the first from a working pack to be shown in this way as a Kennel Club working breed.

“Holcombe President and Holcombe Hazel blazed the trail, with President winning best postgraduate and best open dog followed by the section championship,” a Countryside Alliance spokesman said. “Hazel won the postgraduate bitch class and was third in the open class. President then was put forward to the hound group overall championship.”

The following day, the hunt produced a “fantastic” hound parade at the Bury Agricultural Show on Sunday, 26 June.

“Several thousand visitors flocked to the show to celebrate this country tradition and cheer their local pack in the parade finale,” the spokesman said.

Holcombe joint-master Sue Simmons said this was an important achievement.

“It was a marvellous weekend for the studbook harrier,” she said. ”We have only eight pure studbook packs remaining in the UK so it was a delight to showcase the quality of the breed and its versatile temperament in two totally different environments. Internationally renowned judges placed our entries at the top of their classes at Blackpool and the public gave a wonderful welcome at Bury Show.”

CA director of the campaign for hunting Polly Portwin congratulated the Holcombe on their success.

“The Holcombe Hunt are rightly proud of their hounds’ success in the show ring this weekend,” she said. “Hunts have a wealth of knowledge and experience in breeding working hounds to the best of their type and it is wonderful to see this recognised in a public arena.

“In addition, hound parades up and down the country have long been cherished as a pinnacle of county and agricultural show displays throughout the summer and we are pleased to see the Holcombe Hunt delight the crowds at Bury Show once again.”

You might also be interested in:

‘The Olympics of hunting’: why you should visit the Festival of Hunting

‘I was so proud of them’: Peterborough show ring success for basset hounds after theft ordeal

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Two basset hounds who were stolen in February have enjoyed success in the show ring months after they were reunited with their pack.

Westerby Drama made a winning debut at the Festival of Hunting when she was awarded best unentered bitch in the basset hound ring on 21 July at the East of England Showground. Lattice finished third in the entered bitch hound class.

The pair were among the two and a half couple of hounds stolen in February. The hounds were found following a social media campaign involving the help of Beauty’s Legacy, a voluntary group that uses social media to reunite lost and found animals with their owners.

After a sighting of one of the bassets, representatives from the group liaised with Leicestershire and Greater Manchester Police, which ended with all five hounds being found and returned.

Kennel huntsman Sophie Cripps was heavily involved in the search for the basset hounds after they were stolen, with “every waking hour committed to finding them”.

“Having had time to settle them back into the kennels routine, we decided to take a couple of the bitches to compete at the Festival of Hunting,” said Sophie.

“I was not sure how they would react to the show ring and a different environment, however, they showed beautifully and I was so proud of them.

“It was quite an emotional drive home when we thought back to four months ago when we were sick with worry for them, to having them bounding around the show ring at Peterborough and coming away with some silverware – it was incredibly special.”

Polly Portwin, the Countryside Alliance’s director of the campaign for hunting, added: “Seeing the bassets relaxed and clearly relishing the showing environment is testament to all the hard work and devotion of those involved in the search, recovery and subsequent transition of the hounds back into kennel life.

“Hunt staff strive to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare in kennels at all times and it is great to see this dedication has, in this instance, enabled hounds that have had a traumatic experience to thrive back in their own environment.”

• What are your favourite memories of the Festival of Hunting? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

‘Ridiculous’ plan to scupper Festival of Hunting voted down by council

Hounds on the flags: all you need to know about hound shows *H&H Plus*

6 signs you are missing the hunting season

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It’s the Festival of Hunting at Peterborough tomorrow (21 July). Catherine Austen looks forward to a celebration of the hound and all things hunting-related

There might be a small sporting event in Tokyo about to take place, but before the Olympics get underway, there’ll be seriously hot competition in the British hound showing world tomorrow (Wednesday, 21 July).

The Festival of Hunting, known colloquially as “Peterborough” because it takes place just outside that East Anglian cathedral city on the East of England Showground, is a championship event. The winners of the various regional hound shows come together for the season’s most important and significant contests and – once you understand a little about what you are looking at in a hound – it is a surprisingly exciting spectator sport which involves passionate rivalries.

The Festival is built around the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show, which is in its 132nd year. The modern English foxhounds are shown inside, while the old English foxhounds, harriers, beagles, bassets and bloodhounds are shown in outside rings.

There are tons of country sports-related tradestands, and plenty of food concessions and bars. The inter-hunt relay is always entertaining, with dozens of both senior and junior teams waiting their turn to race around the ring over a variety of fences.

It’s hunting’s big day out of the summer, as Tom Arthey, joint-master of the Pytchley with Woodland, explains.

“It’s so rare to get people and hounds from packs the length and breadth of the country together in one place; such a concentrated mix of different types of hounds, hunt staff in their coloured liveries, masters and supporters,” he says.

“For hunt staff and masters, especially given the 18 months we’ve had, it is a fantastic opportunity to see their colleagues and compare notes on hound breeding, which stallion hounds they’ve used and what type of hounds those are producing. And in showing terms it’s the Olympics – the best of the best.”

What goes into getting a hound to show well at Peterborough?

“Practise, practise, practise,” Tom says. “The more that hunt staff can get the hounds out, the more they learn not to be distracted by what’s going on around them and to pay attention to the person showing them. They become used to an audience, to noise, and learn to focus on the task in hand.”

In the same way that show horses are taught to carry themselves and stand well to show themselves off to the best advantage, hunt staff spend a great deal of time doing the same with hounds.

“Hours and hours go into getting a hound confident enough in a ring to show themselves well,” Tom says. “Like horses, they will be washed and groomed the day before so that their coats are clean and shiny.”

The weather at Peterborough is likely to be hot, and hounds’ welfare is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Cold water galore will be available, and ample kennel space in the shade is provided for hounds to be able to rest. Possibly we should worry more about the hunt staff in their thick hunting coats than the hounds – but generally those showing the hounds are insistent that they must wear their hunt’s livery and look as smart as possible.

Continued below…

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The Young Handlers’ class has become a major part of the show – do go and watch these hound- and hunting-mad youngsters display their showing and handling skills.

The show starts at around 10am – please visit www.festivalofhunting.com for more information, and to buy tickets online for this superb celebration of hunting. Tickets may be bought online until the day itself (Wednesday, 21 July).

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The five working basset hounds stolen from their kennels in February have been found.

They were taken between 5pm on 17 February and 7.30am on 18 February from Westerby Basset Hounds’ kennels in Leicestershire. Yesterday (7 April), Drama, Lattice, Landlord and Banish had been found, and the search continued for the remaining missing hound, an 18-month-old bitch named Bashful, but it has been confirmed today that she has also been found safe.

A hunt spokesman said they “cannot thank enough” the “thousands of people” who have helped them.

“We are very happy that they have been found safe,” he said.

A member of the public contacted the hunt on 3 April after spotting one of the missing hounds.

Representatives from Beauty’s Legacy, a voluntary group that uses social media to reunite lost and found animals, liaised with the person and Leicestershire and Greater Manchester Police.

Following further investigations, police found two of the bassets at one address and two more at a second property, both in the Greater Manchester area, over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Three people – two women and a man – were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods by officers from Greater Manchester Police. They have all been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Sergeant Paul Archer, from the Harborough and Wigston Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA), said he is pleased the hounds have been found.

“I would like to thank both the public for their assistance in locating the dogs and colleagues from Greater Manchester Police for recovering them,” he said.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

‘The most amazing day’: dog stolen in horsebox reunited with owner

Smarty’s owner has thanked all those who shared her appeal

‘Help us bring them home’: five basset hounds stolen from kennels

The two and a half couple of working bassets, belonging to the Westerby Basset Hounds, were stolen when their kennels

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Polly Portwin from the Countryside Alliance said: “A huge thank you to the thousands of people who helped share our initial appeal on Facebook.

“We have witnessed a number of recent thefts of dogs, particularly of working breeds and we urge all dog owners to be incredibly vigilant.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Every hound is special, but some are real stars. Frank Houghton Brown asks eight huntsmen to name the best hound they have come across

Tiverton Goldfinch 00

College Valley Governor 95–Charcoal 94

MANY of the hounds in the Badminton kennel today go back to Tiverton Goldfinch, who former kennel-huntsman and then huntsman Tony Holdsworth brought with him from Devon, where he hunted the Tiverton.

“I hacked to the meet on the first morning’s autumn hunting when Goldfinch was just a puppy and there were two deer in the field alongside. Goldfinch set off after them and, as we were standing at the meet with all the rest of the hounds, we could hear her hunting them,” says Tony.

“Eventually she gave up, and at the end of the morning we had a hunt of about an hour and lost the fox. Goldfinch started to mark in a rabbit hole, but none of the other hounds were interested. Sure enough, Goldfinch was right.”

At the end of her first season she had been quite exceptional. There were eight puppies in her litter and on one occasion Tony watched the pack come past during a good hunt and the first eight hounds were Goldfinch and her siblings. Tony took her with him to Badminton.

Limerick Secret 00

Primus 96–Charming 96

SOME extraordinary traits make individual hounds stand out to their huntsman, and Secret was one of

those peculiar hounds who stood out when Will Bryer went to the Co Limerick as huntsman.

He says: “The Limerick countryside was littered with the ruins of old houses: often just piles of rubble with some of the walled garden still intact. Thick green ivy was draped over the walls and these would be ‘go to’ places to find a fox. Secret was so intelligent that she would disappear from the pack, survey the wall and find a place where she could scrabble her way up, climb along the wall and dislodge the fox.”

Secret was in her first season when Will arrived at Limerick. Her mother, Charming, was “an outstanding bitch” from the Duhallow and goes back on the tail female to Carlow Deborah 32: “A superb line.”

Holcombe Harriers Batman 10

Badger 08–High Peak Query 08

“BOTH in kennels and out working in the field, he was a gentleman among the pack.” says Holcombe joint-master and hound breeder Sue Simmons. “He was always sound and, like the best hounds, always just ‘there’.”

As well as being brilliant in his work, Batman won his puppy show and “almost everything else”. Not only was he champion at Peterborough, but also an outstanding sire whose progeny, both children and grandchildren, have also won Peterborough championships.

“Batman was bred at the High Peak kennels and given back to us as a whelp,” says Sue. “His dam has some Scarteen blood which has given this line a distinctive tan colouring. The sire, Badger, is a rare harrier tail male line in what is a small gene pool of harrier blood.”

Sue points out that his near-perfect conformation gave Batman his athleticism and his longevity and that his portrait hangs in her dining room.

“It’s a pleasure to see him live on through his offspring,” she says.

Grafton Worker 99

Eggesford Painter 96–Woodbine 95

“HE was walked by Richard Cheshire on a farm near Winslow and he allowed them to hunt hares,” explains Mick Wills, who was the Grafton huntsman for 25 seasons.

“It was a habit that was hard to break and because he had such a good voice it was a real nuisance. I caught him doing it one misty day and jumped off to correct him where I thought no one was watching. I was called in by the masters that evening and nearly lost my job. He never hunted hares again and proved to be a brilliant hound.”

Mick has an abundance of stories illustrating Worker’s prowess in the field and can point out the numerous times when he put hounds right and helped to keep a good hunt going.

“If he spoke you knew he was correct, and he would stand on his hind legs and mark foxes up trees.” he says. “I gave his litter sister to the Warwickshire and when I retired they gave me back one of her progeny. I hope she will be as good.”

Morpeth Digby 98

Fernie Crofter 91–Fernie Damsel 94

“BRUCE DURNO gave me the only two puppies in a litter when I left the Fernie and went as kennel-huntsman to the Morpeth,” says Sandy Wilson who, after a long stint at the Morpeth is now huntsman at the Braes of Derwent. “Digby had a fantastic nose, was a real character, a fox finder and a loyal friend.”

Sandy remembers his third season at the Morpeth as being “the best season’s hunting that I have ever had in my life.”

He was hunting the hounds on a bitterly cold day.

“I had got off my horse to pack up and I was frozen,” he says.

The hounds jumped the fence beside him, started to speak and were off. The master wouldn’t let him get back on his horse, so he jumped on the quad with the terrierman. After a hunt of 19 miles and a six-mile point, the hounds were hunting in woodland in tighter and tighter circles.

“It was dark and it all went quiet,” he remembers. “All the hounds came back to me except Digby. I walked down the wood and there he was, lying next to the dead fox.”

South Herts Beagles Zeitgeist 01

Slaney 97–Dummer Talent 95

“HE was typical of his family and of his get,” says master and huntsman of the South Herts – now the Trinity Foot and South Herts – Matthew Higgs, “in that he was the sort of hound that you never particularly notice in the field, but which provide the momentum to see a hunt through all its phases.

“His pedigree is full of Dummer and Stowe blood, lines I have favoured for producing biddable hounds which strive to hunt together. His paternal great-grandsire, Rector 83, was given to my predecessor by Robin Leach from the Dummer. His mother, Dummer Talent, used to jump out of the kennels and wait for me at the gate each day.”

This intimate knowledge of a hound’s forebear is what gives any huntsman or hound breeder such joy in the exploits of the progeny.

“Fittingly, it was Zeitgeist who, on the last Saturday before the ban, drove through the ruined pepperpot lodge gates at Wrest Park to catch our final hare,” says Matthew.

Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Saracen 12

Blencathra Trimmer 07–Saviour 08

“HE was the best of a litter of six,” explains his breeder and retiring joint-master and huntsman Andrew Cook. “The whole litter were exceptional workers. I remember him and his sister hunting a fox for more than 200 yards along the top of a stone dyke at the start of his second season.”

Andrew has a host of stories about Saracen’s persistence, which was well known within the hunt.

“I recall hunting in the hills one day and when we packed up in the dark we were missing 2½ couple.” says Andrew. “They were still missing the following morning and I received a call from someone who thought they could hear hounds speaking. I climbed out to investigate and started blowing. Several hounds came back, but Saracen could be seen with his back end protruding from the hole, still marking.

“He was an incredible foxhound,” Andrew reminisces. “They don’t come along like that very often.”

South and West Wilts Heretic 17

VWH Saxon 12–Harmony 14

IF you are lucky enough to follow in the footsteps of a great hound breeder, you are indeed blessed in the hounds which you inherit.

“Both Simon Clarke and Douglas Mann, two of our hound trustees, have sadly died in the past year, having bred the South and West Wilts hounds since the late 1960s,” says the present joint-master and huntsman James Andrews. “They always stressed the need to cherish the female lines in the kennel as they will produce good sport.”

“Heretic is not only an exceptional hound in his work, but his family have been the backbone of this kennel since 1925, when Ikey Bell bought the Berkeley draft for 1,000 guineas – a vast sum in those days.”

James points out that in the challenging chalk downland it is important to have hounds that suit the country and these old lines have been bred for that very purpose for nearly 100 years.

With such aristocratic breeding, it is no wonder that Heretic is such a good doghound and James notes that “not only is he a superb hunter with a lovely voice, but his grandmother Heather was brilliant and one of the truly outstanding hounds in my 24 seasons hunting hounds”.

This feature is also available to read in this Thursday’s H&H magazine (1 April, 2021)

You may also be interested in…

Andrew Cook’s key learnings from 30 years’ hunting: ‘Always trust your hounds’ *H&H Plus*

As Andrew Cook prepares to step down from a 30-year career with hounds, he talks about his experiences and what

How leading hunting figures learnt to ride *H&H Plus*

Rory Knight Bruce finds out how some of hunting’s leading lights learnt their skills in the saddle

From artists to horticulturalists: meet the huntsmen with hidden talents *H&H Plus*

10 hunting people I wish I’d known *H&H Plus*

More than a century after they were “banished”, the Seavington hounds have visited their old kennels on hound exercise as part of a fundraising initiative.

The Seavington were kenneled at Hinton Park, Somerset, home of the Earls Poulett, until the seventh earl – a former master of the Seavington – died in 1918. The eighth earl was not a fan of field sports, and upon his inheritance of the title, the hounds were moved from the Park.

The old kennels can be found in the gardens of what is now Harvant House. Long-term hunt supporter and Hinton Park resident, Andrew Norton, had the idea of bringing the hounds back to their former home when viewing the renovations being made to the kennels by his neighbours, Malcolm and Charlotte Gillan. The hounds, with new huntsman Ben Hood, and Seavington supporters, observing social distancing guidelines, met in the grounds of the Hinton Park estate at 8am on a sunny morning, and walked nearly four miles through the park, stopping at the old kennels en route, where the Gillans welcomed them with early-morning snifters of port and slabs of fruitcake.

The Gillans bought the property in 2015, at which point the kennels were overgrown with trees, nettles and brambles to the point of being almost invisible. Previous owners had also used the kennels as a dump for unwanted items. Skips were brought in for the rubbish and the trees and undergrowth were removed. The structure of the brick and ironwork kennels is now visible once more and renovation is ongoing.

Article continued below…

At home with hounds: We go behind the scenes at two hunt kennels *H&H Plus*

What really goes on in hunt kennels? How are hounds exercised and fed? Beanie Sturgis reveals the daily routine for

7 signs autumn hunting is around the corner

Clothes a little tight? 4am alarms? A desperate search for a neckstrap? This can mean only one thing — here’s

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Mrs Gillan, who has hunted side-saddle with the Seavington in the past, said: “It has been an absolute delight to welcome the hunt and their impeccably-behaved hounds to our kennels. It gives a great sense of stepping back in time as we imagine how things would have been here a century ago. Ben says we can have all the hounds to stay when he goes on his holidays!”

Seavington master, Annabel Rogers said: “This has been a wonderful day, without doubt the best thing we have done outside hunting for years.”

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions (six issues for £6) and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Lycetts Festival of Hunting, held on the East of England Showground at Peterborough on Wednesday, 17 July, is the hunting world’s summer jamboree. Here’s why we wouldn’t miss it for the world.

1. It really does showcase that glorious animal, the hound. The showing classes for modern and old English foxhounds, harriers, beagles, bassets, bloodhounds and draghounds are the most competitive of the year. Hundreds of years of very careful breeding have resulted in the excellent examples of each type that you will see at Peterborough. There are also displays of coursing dogs and fellhounds.

2. If you “hunt to ride” rather than “ride to hunt”, there are all sorts of equine showing classes for ridden hunters, working hunters and working hunter ponies and coloured horses and ponies. And the Honri Hats-sponsored inter-hunt relay is great fun to watch, with gangs of spectators hollering their own hunt teams on.

3. The shopping is great. You can purchase pretty much anything you might need in the sporting line, plus jewellery, art, sculpture, clothes, food, booze, presents… Take your credit card – who doesn’t need a new pair of breeches, a rare “Snaffles” print, or a large bottle of home-made sloe gin?

4. The packs that are showing tend to hold individual picnics, which are uproarious and can get very lavish. Coronation chicken is almost compulsory. Cadge yourself an invitation – or wander around until you spot someone you know and smile at them. They’re bound to ask you over for a drink. Of course, for the picnic-less, there is masses of very good food and drink you can buy!

5. Lycetts sponsor a seriously good drinks party after the judging has finished, at which a horn-blowing competition takes place.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

18 (very good) reasons why we love hounds

Take a look at this collection of adorable pictures of hounds of all breeds taken by Sarah Farnsworth at the

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

6. There are new classes this year for young handlers, aimed at 12-16-year-olds who help their local packs. Go to Ring One at 3pm to watch the huntsmen, masters and whippers-in in of the future.

7. It’s gossip central. This is where you’ll learn what’s going on in the hunting world, so keep your ears and eyes open!

Tickets can be bought at the gate or online in advance: www.festivalofhunting.com

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A foxhound and a cat have renewed the great friendship that started between them when the foxhound – Belvoir Polish 10 – was a puppy.

Born at the Ledbury hunt kennels when Belvoir huntsman and H&H columnist John Holliday was hunting the Ledbury hounds, Polish was walked by Sally and Julian Pritchard in 2009.

Sally said: “She was only the second hound puppy we had walked. The first was really naughty, but Polish was great. She played with our cat, Bart, for hours, and was really gentle with him. He was only a kitten then.

“She loved our working collie and our terrier as well and they all played and slept together.”

John took Polish – who is by Heythrop Ponder out of Ledbury Satin – with him when he moved to the Belvoir, and thus she was entered as a Belvoir hound.

“She’s been a really good hound – low-scenting but quick, and particularly good through sheep and cattle,” said John. “I did find at first that she tended to be away and gone on a trail a bit too quickly, but having her first litter of puppies steadied her up a bit, which was perfect.

“I’ve always been very fond of her – she was my connection with 14 years of breeding the Ledbury hounds – and she hunted right up until the end of last season. I wanted her to stop while she was still going really well, and I always knew that she would go back to being domesticated without a problem.

“I thought about keeping her myself in retirement, but we already have seven dogs here. Polish always recognised Sally whenever she saw her and I knew she and Julian would give her a lovely home.”

Sally says: “I’d always said I’d have her back to retire, but John didn’t give us much warning – he rang up on his way to the Cheltenham Festival in March and said, ‘Is it ok if I drop her off now?’!

“We didn’t know how it would pan out, but we said we’d give it a go. As soon as she arrived, Bart the cat saw her and jumped down through the window. She wagged her stern and he went and rubbed himself up against her. They love each other – Bart would never come for a walk with the dogs before Polish came back, but he will now.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

6 signs you are missing the hunting season

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

“We have a ginger rescue kitten which we found in the middle of the road on the way to a party, and Polish loves her too – she’s so gentle and calm.

“She remembers everything about being here as a puppy. She used to sleep in a shed in the garden, and she went straight there and curled up in it, and pottered off to where the pigs used to be – she used to play with them all the time when she was a puppy, but we haven’t had any pigs for eight years now!

“She has shown no indication of wanting to go off hunting; she mooches about, and is probably the best behaved animal I’ve had!”

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Last week’s Festival of Hunting at Peterborough was a banquet of hounds, horses and all things hunting.

Here are seven things we loved about it…

1. The huge cheer that went up from the expectant audience when the champion foxhounds were announced. In the morning doghound championship it was the Grove and Rufford’s turn with Saxon; in the afternoon’s bitch championship Heythrop supporters erupted when Racket took the title.

2. The fact that the Grove and Rufford also won the senior inter-hunt relay competition – what a day for the hunt!

3. It takes real bravery to stand up in front of a large, slightly merry, hunting audience at the Lycetts-sponsored drinks party that closed the show and blow the hunting horn. This year’s winner of the amateur horn-blowing contest was young George Smith, who took home a hunting horn donated and engraved by The Hunting Shop.

4. Talking of horn-blowing, those who joined the Heythrop’s celebrations of a very successful day (the Gloucestershire pack won both two-couple classes and the bitch couple class, as well as the bitch championship) back at the lorry in the evening were treated to a proper exhibition. Martin Thornton, former huntsman of the Belvoir and the Zetland, consented to blow a range of calls, and did so utterly beautifully.

5. The shopping. There can’t be a better selection of hunting-related items – clothing, books, pictures, presents, anything you can think of – anywhere in the world.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

7 reasons to go to the Festival of Hunting

The Lycetts Festival of Hunting, held on the East of England Showground at Peterborough on Wednesday, 17 July, is the

6. The “other” hounds. We see plenty of foxhounds, beagles and harriers, but how often do most of us get to see wise-looking bassets, magnificent bloodhounds – and, while not exactly hounds, did you see those heavenly Sealyham terriers?

7. The picnics. Not that hunting people are competitive, oh no, but the efforts made and laid out at lunchtime were spectacular and rivalled Car Park Number One during Royal Ascot — minus the butlers. Hunting people help themselves — generously.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There is nothing cuter than a hound puppy — and nothing naughtier, either.

All over Britain and Ireland, long-suffering and very kind people have hound puppies to “walk” over the summer. The puppies become socialised, learn how to walk on collars and leads and to obey basic commands, and grow up in a happy, family environment. But puppy walkers know very well that no shoe left carelessly around will go un-chewed, and no rose bed will remain pristine.

After a few months, they go back to the hunt kennels to learn how to live with the pack — and the following autumn, when they are aged between a year and 18 months, they start to learn how to hunt trails with the rest of the pack.

Here are some hound puppies that H&H readers are walking…

1. Arkle and Arrow, Wilton puppies walked by Heather Royle

2. Wilton Arkle meets some rather intimidating-looking sheep

3. Belvoir Shamrock “helps out” Kay Gardner

4. Brocklesby Seldom and Sender enjoying an afternoon nap – sent in by Chris Power

5. Heythrop Volvic and Voicemail help Lizzie Coombes’ hunter Barry polish off his supper

6. Heythrop Volvic at full gallop

7. Ledbury hound puppies walked by eventer Vittoria Panizzon, her head girl Bryony Milton and their team enjoying the comfort of an armchair

8. South Wold Bodkin and Boris, walked by Kay Gardner

9. Four-year-old Andromeda Freegard playing with her new best friend, Crasher, at the West Norfolk hunt kennels

10. Four-week-old West Wexford Harriers puppies, sent in by Aine O’Brien

11. Woodland Pytchley Harborough, walked by Rhiannon and Amber Fitzhugh

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Rydal Hound Show in Cumbria is one of the highlights of the summer hound showing season. It is set in the beautiful surroundings of Rydal Park which is close to Ambleside.

Local pack the Coniston hold their own hound show before the open Fellhound classes take place, with their Dazzle taking the honours. The pack’s Lyric later went on to be awarded the entered bitch hound title before being awarded the reserve championship in the Fellhound classes.

Blencathra Saddler 14, winner of the entered doghound class stood as the Fellhound champion before going on to land the supreme show championship ahead of the winners from the harrier, beagle and terrier rings.

Aside from the hound shows, visitors could also enjoy the sheepdog trials and Fellhound racing as well as browsing through the trade stands.

A full report and results are in the 18 August issue of the magazine and to see further images from the show here

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Packs showing at the West of England hound show produced some quality hounds for the judges at Honiton on 4 August. With separate rings for the foxhounds, staghounds, beagles, harriers and minkhounds there was no shortage of classes to watch and the layout of the rings made it easy to navigate easily between them in order not to miss anything.

We take a look at some of the highlights of the show. To view further images from the day, visit www.horseandhound.co.uk/hointon-hound-show-pictures and don’t miss our full report and results in the current issue of the magazine, on sale from 12 August.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There was something for everyone at this year’s Festival of Hunting at the East of England Showground on 20 July.

Most people went home with a touch more colour in their cheeks due to the soaring temperatures and credit cards may have been a little lighter too after a trip around the shops that were offering a wide variety of tempting goods.

For those who wanted to watch the various types of hounds being judged there was plenty of action in all of the rings, however the greatest crowd assembled to watch the 128th Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show.

The inter-hunt relay competitions entertained spectators all day resulting in popular wins for the Holcombe Hunt in the senior competition and a victory for the Cottesmore Foxes in the afternoon’s junior contest.

Don’t miss the 5-page report in 28th July issue of the magazine with further coverage from the beagle and harrier classes in 4th August issue.

We take a look back on some of the many memorable moments from this year’s show and see why the 2017 Festival Of Hunting is not to be missed…

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Run in conjunction with the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) at Harrogate, the hound show takes place over two days, with the beagles and harriers classes held this year on Tuesday, 12 July and the foxhounds on Wednesday, 13 July.

As well as bringing together packs from all over the country, this is the last major hound show in the run-up to the Festival of Hunting at Peterborough (20 July).

Thirteen packs of beagles were put before the judges where the championships were claimed by the Cheshire and the Newcastle and District.

The Holcombe had a particularly successful day, taking both the doghound and bitch hound championships in the harriers ring, while the VWH pretty much swept the board in the foxhound classes.

Tale a look at the gallery to see some of the highlights of this year’s hound show and don’t forget to buy the latest issue of Horse & Hound, on sale from 21 July for a detailed report and full results.

To view further images taken at the Great Yorkshire Hound Show visit — here

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Four eight-week-old basset hound puppies have been stolen from their kennels in South Kilworth, Leics.

The two couple of hounds belonging to the Westerby Basset Hounds were taken by two youths seen running away from the kennels with the puppies in their arms on Tuesday evening (5 July).

“A man from the local butcher’s contacted our kennel-huntsman Mark Luxton to inform him that one of his employees had seen two scruffy young lads – aged around 12-13 years – running down the road away from the kennels with the puppies,” explained senior-master Teddy Cripps.

“Mark had not long left the kennels, which are by his house, and we think they must have been watching his movements,” she continued.

“As soon as Mark received the phone call he returned to the kennels and drove down the lane from Walcote in the direction these lads had gone and searched around the surrounding area. I telephoned a farmer at Swinford, who also got into his vehicle and had a drive around, but sadly we had no luck finding them.

“The tri-coloured puppies were out of our own bitch called Echo by East Lincs Voyager and were due to go to their puppy walkers very soon,” explained Teddy.

“They left just one bitch puppy from the same litter behind and this has caused a knock-on effect in the kennels, unsettling the other hounds.”

Continued below…

Related articles:

Stolen hound puppy found after Horse & Hound appeal

What does puppy walking entail?

Will You Walk a Puppy? by Will H Ogilvie

This is not the first time that thefts have taken place at hunt kennels. Just two weeks ago two lurcher puppies were stolen from the Westerby Basset’s kennel-huntsman’s kennels, which have not yet been recovered, and on 1 June we reported that three beagle puppies had been stolen from their kennels in Oxfordshire.

The Westerby Basset Hounds keep 25 1/2 couple of hounds and are the only pack of English Basset hounds in the country. They cover an area between Lutterworth and Market Harborough, extending to parts of Rutland and Northamptonshire.

If anybody has any information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen basset hound puppies, please contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Now is the season for packs of hounds to hold their annual puppy show.

For those who haven’t been to one before, the name perhaps conjures up an image of cute, fluffy hound puppies being lead around a ring for all to see. The reality however is quite different but for those who attend, it is one of the highlights of the summer and is not to be missed.

For anyone who has been invited for the first time, those who are just curious about what goes on or people who have perhaps been before but might even have been slightly confused at the goings-on, H&H answers some of the most frequently asked questions about this special event in each pack’s summer calendar.

What is a puppy show?

Traditionally puppy shows are held to thank those who have walked hound puppies and to show their progress since they came back into the kennels after being out at walk.

The puppy walkers have a big responsibility, giving each young hound their initial education following being weaned. This involves introducing them to the sights and smells of the countryside, ensuring they know right from wrong, and most importantly, making certain each individual hound knows its proper kennel name.

Who goes to the puppy show?

Apart from the puppy walkers who really are the guests of honour, the guest list can be made up of any number of people, depending on each pack’s own criteria.

There tends to be many more than just the puppy walkers on the guest list and these can include — although each pack varies — hunt committee members, those who organise functions and fundraising events, farmers, meet hosts, subscribers, joint-masters and members of hunt staff from surrounding packs, hunt supporters, members of the press and perhaps the local MP.

It is seen as an honour to be invited to attend the puppy show although quite often packs have theirs as part of their annual kennel open day where everybody is welcome.

If you haven’t been invited and wish to attend, it may be worth putting in a quick call to your local master.

What do you wear if you’ve been invited?

Being one of the most prestigious events on the summer hunting calendar, an effort is generally made by most guests to look smart.

Gentlemen generally wear a suit or jacket and tie with panama hats often worn if the weather is suitably mild. Members of hunt staff tend to be recognisable by their bowler hats and dark suits.

The attire worn by the ladies is usually dependant on the weather with waterproof coats and wellies often disguising even the best-planned summer outfit. Hats are encouraged, although on occasions those worn by some are perhaps more suitable on racegoers at Royal Ascot and would be better left at home.

With regards to footwear, remember you are likely to be standing on grass so flats, those with a slightly sturdy heel, or wedges, would be more advisable than stilettos. Dress for the weather and remember you will be standing around for much of the time and might need an extra layer.

What are the hounds judged on and by who?

There are usually two invited judges who come to assess the young hounds and give their verdict on their conformation and movement. The judges are often a Master of Foxhounds (MFH) and a professional huntsman, although this can vary. Similar to judging horses, they will look at the overall picture of each hound, check they have good feet, shoulders, backs and also see how freely they move.

How old are the hounds?

The hounds presented to the judges are those that will start their hunting careers in the autumn and tend to be about one-year-old (usually born sometime between January and July of the previous year). There may be up to six months difference in age between litters born early in January, and some that aren’t born until July. This is something that will be of particular note to the judges.

What is the format for the afternoon?

You will be given a “racecard” which explains the order in which the hounds will be shown. You will also find breeding details of each of the young hounds and sometimes details of who walked each one. The doghounds are judged first and are usually shown to the judges by the huntsman in couples, so there is time for them to assess them properly. After all of the doghounds have been reviewed by the judges, they will all come back into the ring and then the final assessment will take place. Once the judging of the doghounds has been completed and the results announced, the same procedure then happens with the bitches.

Who teaches the hounds to show?

There is quite an art to showing hounds and the hunt staff will have spent a lot of time over the weeks and months leading up to the big day to ensure the hounds show themselves off to their best advantage.

Don’t be surprised to see the huntsman using dog biscuits to encourage the hounds to stand properly and to get the most out of their movement.

What is the etiquette during judging?

Firstly, always arrive in good time. The puppy show is often a very social occasion where hunting people catch up with familiar faces for the first time since the season ended. However, it must be remembered that it is still a very important day, particularly for the puppy walkers, so do try to pay attention to the hounds and the judging. If you don’t understand something, there is usually somebody around keen to answer questions.

It is a good idea to get involved by trying to judge the hounds for yourself to see if you choose the one that wins.

One word of advice if you happen to be sitting close to the edge of the judging ring, always pay attention when the doghounds are near the railings, in case they decide to relieve themselves…a wet leg does not appeal to everyone!

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

The last hurrah! Celebrating another successful hunting season in pictures

12 things you (almost certainly) won’t miss about the hunting season

What happens after the puppy show?

After the judging has taken place, there are usually speeches and a prize-giving where prizes are awarded to the puppy walkers of the winning hounds. Most packs also give an engraved spoon to the puppy walker of each of the young hounds that went out to walk.

In addition, many packs lay on a generous spread of afternoon tea following the puppy show. This tends to take place in a barn at the kennels or perhaps a marquee if one has been laid on and you may well get asked to contribute a plate of sandwiches or bring a cake to add to the feast. Tea is the ideal time and place to catch up with all your hunting friends.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

I was certain that I would never write about puppy shows and the traditional pre-puppy show lunch serving of coronation chicken in this column. Well, that didn’t last long.

A real honour for me was when I was recently asked to judge the young hounds at the Berwickshire Hunt. Sitting at their kennels enjoying my lunch, I overheard my fellow judge ask for “some flan, please”. I don’t know why this tickled me as much as it did, but I hadn’t heard it called that since my mother would refer to flan when I was at prep school.

The same mother, incidentally, telephoned me to say: “I’ve been thinking about it Richard, and it’s probably best if you don’t go to Scotland to judge that show.”

“I am on the train, Mum,” was my instant reply, to which she returned with: “In that case, have a lovely time, dear.”

The thought did cross my mind that, after the latest political mess the hunting world has had to endure, those in Scotland may not welcome an inexperienced judge from the south-east of England.

I could not have been more wrong. From the moment I was picked up from Berwick station by Mary Anne Hume, I started to relax and enjoy it.

It is difficult not to enjoy the company of Rory and Delly Innes. Rory hunts the hounds and is a joint-master, and his wonderful wife Delly supports him through it while working and looking after their two small children.

One could see that Rory had made a real effort and kennels were spick and span, and the atmosphere was relaxed and good-humoured. The young hounds were a credit to Rory — level and possessing real class.

The only time I heard the word “sturgeon” all day was in relation to some chap talking of a recent fishing trip, with no mention of politics.

It was an absolute privilege to judge with Martin Letts MFH. A joint-master of the College Valley and North Northumberland since 1964, he is a man that will know more about hounds than I ever will.

In what other area of life could you discuss the fact that Stella is a “proper bitch” and that Stalker has bundles of talent but a tendency to follow you everywhere — without upsetting anyone?

I was so impressed that almost all of those attending were kind enough to thank me for coming such a long way.

Martin made an excellent speech and anyone who knows him will not be surprised to hear that he said what he thought and announced that while he was “shot these days” he wanted to make an important point. “We live in the 21st century and it is little use harping back to the past, we should make the best of what we have now and appreciate today not yesterday.”

I couldn’t agree more Martin, but I am very happy to respect yesterday as well as embrace today — and if we are living in the 21st century then it must be quiche not flan, and never a tart, I would say.

As I sat at Berwick station waiting for my train home I promised myself that I would return to this beautiful country and hunt here once in the coming season, and I will.

I then found an empty envelope in my pocket which had one line written on it. It said “the best hounds in the shires”. Who am I to argue with that?

Ref: Horse & Hound; 27 August 2015

A hound and a spaniel have died after running onto a busy main road on Tuesday morning (25 August).

Twelve foxhounds, belonging to the Fitzwilliam Hunt, near Peterborough, ran on to the A47 (not pictured) early in the morning.

The hounds were being walked through Milton Park to meet the hunt horses to start their daily hound exercise.

At about 7.30am a group of hounds broke away from the pack along with a spaniel that was being walked in the same area.

A spokesman from the hunt said: “Together with the spaniel they ran through an area of woodland onto the east-bound carriageway of the A47.

“Regrettably the spaniel and a foxhound were killed by a passing car unable to take evasive action.

“So far as we are aware no-one was injured but one vehicle was damaged in this unfortunate and regrettable incident.”

Cambridgeshire police attended the incident which happened near the Bretton/Thorpewood junction of the busy A47.

Police were able to open the road to traffic again just after 9am.

Packs of hounds throughout the country are preparing hounds for the forthcoming season, with autumn hunting underway in some areas of the country where the harvest is complete.

Hunts regularly exercise their hounds either on foot or on bicycles throughout the spring and summer months, with mounted packs introducing horses as the season approaches.

This helps to improve fitness of both hounds and horses with both roadwork and cross country routes taken.

The Fitzwilliam Hunt, which has been established for over 250 years, have always kennelled their hounds in Milton Park. The pack of hounds have never been out of the ownership of the Fitzwilliam family. They hunt two days a week during the main season.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It was the turn of the Fell hounds to take centre stage at Rydal Hound Show near Ambleside in Cumbria on 13 August.

Often described as “having a real holiday atmosphere,” this is one of the most popular and looked-forward to hound shows of the summer, with many visitors then going on to Lowther Hound Show a few days later.

A large crowd of hunting enthusiasts gathered at Rydal’s scenic venue where there were three rings of judging to enjoy. The day commences with the show of the Coniston hounds in the foxhounds ring, then the Fell hounds begin the open classes, where all seven registered packs put hounds forward.

Unlike the showing of the modern foxhound, Fell hounds are shown on their lead by their huntsman or their walker.

Repeating his success of last year was Blencathra Sergent, who took the Fell hound championship title before winning the supreme show championship ahead of the winners of the beagles, harriers and terriers championships. Holcombe Barrister 12 who had earlier landed the harrier championship took the reserve champion overall.

In the beagles classes, the Palmer Marlborough enjoyed a very successful day with Dancer 14 winning the entered doghound class and standing champion.

In addition to the hound show, as well as browsing the many trade stands, visitors to the show could also enjoy the associated sheep dog trials, stick show and hound trailing.

The Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire Beagles enjoy success with Wagtail, winner of the entered bitch hound class

Eskdale and Ennerdale Rascal claims the unentered bitch hound title

The Holcombe’s successful doghound Barrister 12 takes the harrier championship

Blencathra Matcham secures the unentered doghound class

Judging of the Fell hounds

Rydal Hound Show takes place in the scenic Cumbrian countryside

Members of a large crowd view the judging from the ringside

Supreme show champion, Blencathra Sergent with huntsman Barry Todhunter

For the full report and results, please see this week’s issue of Horse & Hound, on sale 27 August 2015

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Huntsmen new to carrying the horn triumphed with their charges at the 105th Irish Masters of Foxhounds’ Association (IMFHA) Show at Stradbally Hall, Co Laois, Eire on 5 July.

Conor Dwyer, 22, in his third season hunting the Island Foxhounds in Co. Wexford’s famous bank country, won five classes and took home the reserve unentered doghound championship with the home-bred Island Barrister (Paragon 11–Biscuit 10). They also claimed the stallion hound class with Island Paragon 11 (South Dorset Panther 08–Pickle 07) plus the doghound championship with Island Buster 11 (pictured top) (South & West Wiltshire Vanguard 08–Bunny 10).

Not a bad haul for a young huntsman from Co. Laois who gave up a business and law course to enter hunt service.

“It has been a learning curve but I either had to sink or swim,” said Dwyer. He readily acknowledges the legacy of his predecessors and the wealth of keen foxhound breeders in the country.

Assessing a record entry of 19 packs were doghound judges Henry Berkeley MFH and William Bryer MFH, the latter being no stranger to the Stradbally hound ring, and the afternoon bitch judges were Alastair Jackson and Charles Carter MFH.

The Co Limerick’s 26-year-old huntsman Fergus Stokes, now in his second season hunting this famous pack of Old English hounds, took the unentered class for their type with Co Limerick Sabbath (Carbery Commander 11–Sahara 11). They came second in the Old English part of the stallion hound class — the only Stradbally class where draft hounds may be shown — with Co Limerick Sizzler 12 (Duhallow Trooper 07–North Galway Sari 09). They also secured the same placing in the afternoon with his brood bitch sister Sidewalk 12.

Niall Dunne, in his second season at the Waterford, took the Old English division of the stallion hound class with the home-bred Waterford Lawrence 13 (Arnie 09–Ladybird 09).

In the Old English unentered bitch hound class, the Waterford’s winning unentered Snowdrop (Co Limerick Santa 11-Angle 10) was one of the few of that type showing size and real quality. They also took the Old English brood bitch title with Waterford Charity 12 (Chukka 07–Lavish 07).

The new kids on the block did not have it all their own way.Chris Francis, in his ninth season as Kildare huntsman from their Punchestown Racecourse kennels, won the unentered doghound championship with Fathom (Duke of Beaufort’s Hostage 10–East Galway Grammar 11) from the couples class.

The Wicklow’s Paisley (Cattistock Bramble 12–South Dorset Parody 13) took the ribbons in the unentered bitches and she went on to be reserve champion bitch shown by huntsman Philip Lazenby.

The experienced Henry brothers at the Meath produced the unentered bitch champion with Barmaid (Cottesmore Barty-Fabric 07) who came from the couples class. The Horse & Hound Cup presented in that class was taken home by East Down Bauble & Bargain (Bailey 10–Mistletoe 10), shown by huntsman Declan Feeney.

Not to be outdone by the bigger kennels, West Wicklow Label 14 (Middleton Gunner 07–Kildare Saintly 08) beat the East Down in the entered bitch class to the delight of their joint-master and huntsman Rupert Macauley, chairman of the IMFHA.

The stars of the early afternoon were from Mount Juliet, where huntsman Sam Staniland produced the winning bitch couple in Kilkenny Chutney 14 & Chariot 14 (Kildare Chaplin 07–Dorothy 11) in front of the South Tyrone and Wicklow.

The South Tyrone, whose hounds have a quality not seen in their Dungannon kennels for some years, reaped revenge by taking the two couples bitch class well shown by huntsman Ryan Carvill. This was the class of the day with eight packs producing an impressive sight in front of Stradbally Hall. The West Wicklow came second, the Kilkenny third and the Louth took reserve with their Old English entry shown by huntsman Alan Riley.

The Meath’s Mabel (North Shropshire Pirate 09-Madonna 09) won the brood bitch, with Waterford Charity 12 taking the Old English part of the class.

Rosettes were scattered evenly among other exhibiting hunts. The North Down’s new huntsman Barry Jones took a ticket in the unentered bitch couples, as did the South Union (Co Cork) with their Comedy 14 (Tipperary Captain 09-Crunchie 12). Not to be outdone by his Co. Cork neighbor, the United Hunt Club’s Sonny O’Donnell collected an Old English placing with their Tackler (Waterford Tanker 10-Lacey 11).

The Kilkenny deservedly won the bitch championship with Chutney 14 in front of the unentered Wicklow Paisley.

Before the doghound championship a presentation of certificates was made to those young students who had completed the Michael Morris Memorial Bursary Scheme. Michael Higgens, former master and huntsman of the four-day-a-week Tipperary Foxhounds, made the awards to Shane McGillick, who trained at the Westmeath with huntsman Niall Mahon, and Keith Broderick, who served with Ballymacad huntsman Kevin Donohoe. The IMFHA-sponsored scheme is now in its third year.

Founded in 1859 the IMFHA oversees 46 hunts in 32 counties including 6 packs in Northern Ireland. The annual show started at Clonmel on 6 August 1910 and settled at its present stunning location at Stradbally Hall, Co Laois in 2000, home of the hugely supportive Cosby family.

The show’s impressive trophies and cups are on display at the Foxhound Show ringside and tend to outshine in appearance and number those of any other hound show, some silverware dating from 1891.

Since moving to Stradbally the Foxhound Show, which is part of the Irish National Hound Show consisting of Harriers, Foot Harriers, Beagles plus equestrian rings, has become a major fixture in the hunting world. Northern Ireland hosts a second official Hound Show in Co Armagh with similar classes but with over 200 hounds in three rings on 5th July this year Stradbally can rightly claim to be “Ireland’s Peterborough”.

“It is great to see such interest”, said hound show chairman David Lalor MFH, “especially from those packs that have not previously shown”.

Results

JUDGES: Doghounds: Henry Berkeley MFH (the Berkeley) & William Bryer MFH (the Cattistock)

Bitch hounds: Alastair Jackson & Charles Carter MFH (the West Norfolk)

DOGHOUNDS

Class 1: Best unentered doghound whelped on or after 1 December 2013 (restricted).

1. Island Barrister (Paragon 11–Biscuit 10)

2. Co. Limerick Sabbath (Carbery Commander 11–Belvoir Saline 09).

3 Wicklow Parker (Cattistock Bramble 12–South Dorset Parody 13).

4. Waterford Ashtown (Co. Limerick Santa 11–Almond 12).

Class 2: Best unentered Old English doghound whelped on or after 1 December 2013

1. Co. Limerick Sabbath (Carbery Commander 11–Belvoir Saline 09).

2. Waterford Ashtown (Co. Limerick Santa 11–Almond 12).

3. Co. Limerick Periwig (Cattistock Persian 12–Aileen 10).

4. United Hunt Club Tackler (Waterford Tanker 10–Lacey 11).

Class 3: Best couple of unentered doghounds whelped on or after 1 December 2013 (Open).

1. Island Barricade and Barrister (Paragon 11–Biscuit 10).

2. Kildare Hamlet (Ballymacad Hostage 10–East Galway Grammar 11) & Fathom (Beaufort Fastnet 10–Ballymacad Sally 11).

3. Kilkenny Pollard and Postman (Paddy 11–Policy 11).

4. Meath Bailiff (Cottesmore Barty 07–Fabric 07) & Meath Winter (Cottesmore Barty 07–Grove & Rufford 10)

Also Class 3: Best single unentered doghound championship

Unentered Doghound Champion: Kildare Fathom (Beaufort Fastnet 10–Their Sally 11).

Reserved Unentered Doghound: Island Barrister (Paragon 11–Biscuit 10)

Class 4: Best entered doghound that has not won a first prize in an open class (restricted).

1. Island Buster 12 (South & West Wilts Vanguard 08–Bunny 10).

2. West Wicklow Gunshot 13 (Middleton Gunner 07–Ballad 10).

3. Island Bowman 12 (South & WWilts Vanguard 08–Bunny 10).

4 Co. Limerick Saxon 14 (Perkin 06–Belvoir Saline 09).

Class 5: Best couple of entered doghounds (open)

1. Island Paragon 11 (South Dorset Panther 08–Pickle 07) & Buster 12 (S&WWilts Vanguard 08–Bunny 10)

2. Ballymacad Samson 11 & Safeguard 11 (Sabbath 06–Bonfire 08)

3. Kilkenny Culprit 12 (Dungeon 08–Catherine 09) & Charger 14 (Kildare Chaplin 07–Dorothy 11).

4. Kildare Bosco 13 (Ballymacad Bosco 08–Their Bingo 10) & Deacon 14 (Dealer 10–East Galway Grammar 11)

Best entered doghound in this class

Island Buster 12.

Class 6: Best stallion hound (open)

1. Island Paragon 11 (South Dorset Panther 08–Pickle 10)

2. Ludlow Magnum 13 (Fraser 08–Mistress 07).

3. Beaufort Harlequin 10 (Galahad 05–Handful 06).

4. West Wicklow Gunshot 13 (Middleton Gunner 07–Ballad 10).

Best Old English stallion hound.

1. Waterford Lawrence 13 (Arnie 09–Ladybird 09)

2. Co Limerick Sizzler 12 (Duhallow Trooper 07–North Galway Sari 09)

Class 7 : The Mrs. Hall Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best doghound (open).

Champion: Island Buster 12 (S & WWilts Vanguard 08–Bunny 10)

Reserve Champion: Island Paragon 11 (South Dorset Panther 08–Pickle 07)

BITCHES

Class 8: Best unentered bitch (restricted)

1. Wicklow Paisley (Cattistock Bramble 12–South Dorset Parody 13).

2. West Wicklow Loopy (Tipperary Captain 09–Kildare Saintly 08)

3. Island Viscount (Middleton Gunner 07–Vantage 12)

4. Waterford Snowdrop (Co. Limerick Santa 11–Their Angle 10)

Class 9: Best unentered Old English bitch

1. Waterford Snowdrop (Co. Limerick Santa 11–Their Angle 10)

2. Co. Limerick Petticoat (Cattistock Persian 12–Aileen 10).

3. Louth Golden (Granite 09–Lottie 10).

4. Co. Limerick Poetry (Cattistock Porridge 12–Glitter 10).

Class 10: Best couple of unentered bitches (open)

1. East Down Bauble & Bargain (Bailey 10–Mistletoe 10).

2. Meath River (Cottesmore Barty 07–Worcestershire Risky 11) & Barmaid (Cottesmore Barty 07-Fabric 07).

3. Island Viscount (Middleton Gunner 07–Vantage 12) & Crossword (West Wicklow Cardinal 12–Pocket 12)

4. North Down Dammit & Damson (Kildare Charmer 07–Mendip Farmers Damage 08).

Also Class 10: Best champion & reserve unentered bitch (open)

Unentered bitch champion: Meath Barmaid (Cottesmore Barty 07–Fabric 07)

Reserve unentered bitch champion Island Viscount (Middleton Gunner 07–Vantage 12)

Class 11: Best entered bitch (restricted)

1. West Wicklow Label (Middleton Gunner 07–Kildare Saintly 08).

2. East Down Risky (Heythrop Wiseman 11–Rascal 08)

3. Island Passive 11 (South Dorset Panther 08-Pickle 07).

4. South Union Crystal 14 (Tipperary Captain 09–Crunchie 12).

Class 12: Best couple of entered bitches (open)

1. Kilkenny Chutney 14 & Chariot 14 (Kildare Chaplin 07–Dorothy 11)

2. West Wicklow Boozy 14 (Middleton Gunner 07–Ledbury Ballad 09) & Label (Middleton Gunner 07–Kildare Saintly 08)

3. South Tyrone Beverage 14 & Benefit 14 (North Down Shylock 11–Fitzwilliam (Milton) Beverage 10)

4. East Down Ringlet 14 & Risky 14 (Heythrop Wiseman 11–Rascal 08)

Best entered bitch in this class: Kilkenny Chutney ’14

Class 13: Best two couple of entered bitches (open)

1. South Tyrone Beverage 14, Benefit 14, Beauty 14, & Beacon 14 (North Down Shylock 11–Fitzwilliam (Milton) Beverage 10)

2. West Wicklow Label 14 (Middleton Gunner 07–Kildare Saintly 08), Boozy 14, Beetle 14, & Broomstick 14 (Middleton Gunner 07–Ledbury Ballad 09)

3. Kilkenny Charity 14, Chariot 14, Chutney 14 (Kildare Chaplain 07–Dorothy 11), & Cupcake 14 (Rabbi 09–Culture 12)

4. Louth Laura 14 (Lodger 10–Lonely 11), Ticket 13, Tinsel 13, & Tingle 13 (Brosna Tonton 07–Lottie 10)

Class 14: Best brood bitch (open)

1. Meath Mabel 13 (North Shropshire Pirate 09–Madonna 09).

2. West Wicklow Melody 11 (Kildare Chaplain 07–North Cotswold Mystery 03)

3. Kilkenny Dutiful 12 (Dungeon 08–South Dorset Saucy 08).

4. Ballymacad Ribbon 13 (Bosco 08–Beaufort Riddle 09).

Also Class 14: Best Old English brood bitch

1. Waterford Charity 12 (Chukka 07–Lavish 07).

2. Co. Limerick Sidewalk 12 (Duhallow Trooper 07–North Galway Sari 09).

Class 15

Champion bitch — The Hutchinson Perpetual Challenge Cup

Best bitch exhibited in any class (open)

Champion: Kilkenny Chutney 14 (Kildare Chaplain 07–Dorothy 11)

Reserve champion: Wicklow Paisley 14 (Cattistock Bramble 12–South Dorset Parody 13)

Read the Stradbally Hound Show report in Horse & Hound magazine, out tomorrow (20 August 2015)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The West of England Hound Show at Honiton in Devon on Thursday, 6 August drew a large crowd, including many who book this day in as part of their summer holiday when visiting the West Country.

This show is particularly important for packs of staghounds and minkhounds. They have their chance to compete and follow up any successes they may have had at Dunster Hound Show held the week before.

Local foxhound pack the Dulverton West enjoyed success in many classes, however it was the South and West Wilts who took the doghound championship with Harlequin 14, their winner of the entered class.

The Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray enjoyed another successful day on the flagstones, taking the bitch hound championship with Royalty 13.

The Tiverton Staghounds took home an armful of prizes back to their kennels including the doghound championship with Dawlish 14. They had to settle for reserve in the bitch hounds where the Devon & Somerset’s unentered winner Chuckle took the title.

With classes for both purebred and part-bred minkhounds, there were plenty of prizes to be won, with the overall championship being awarded to Devon & Cornwall Brushford 14.

The Cotley Harriers and the Axe Vale shared the major prizes in the harriers ring while the Royal Agricultural University claimed both the doghound and bitch championships in the beagles ring.

Take a look at the gallery below to see if your local pack was caught on camera.

Man’s best friend…a relaxed huntsman and his hound prepare for the judging

The Tiverton Staghounds win the doghound couples class with Rucksack & Rupert

RAU Sapperton, winner of the stallion hound class, also takes the doghound beagle championship

Champion part-bred minkhound and overall champion, Devon and Cornwall Brushford 14

Joy for the supporters of one winning pack

The beagle judges take a close look at the bitches lined up for the championship

The Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray enjoy success with their two couple of bitches in the foxhound classes

Continued below…

Who won at Dunster Hound Show? Full results and pictures

Find out who the ones to watch are ahead of the West of England Hound Show

Which hounds came up trumps at the Great Yorkshire Show? PICTURES

Take a look at our hound show gallery from this year's Great Yorkshire Show

Judging of the harrier championship

South & West Wilts Harlequin takes the local championship in the foxhounds ring before later claiming the doghound title

Presentation to the RAC for their beagle bitch champion Whipcream

Quantock Reason, best entered staghound bitch

Don’t miss the next issue of Horse & Hound, out 13 August 2015, for the full report and results.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The annual hound show at Dunster Country Fair — which is set in the spectacular grounds of Dunster Lawns in Somerset with the castle overlooking the event — took place on Wednesday, 29 July.

With classes for foxhounds, beagles, harriers, staghounds and minkhounds, this show is seen as the ideal warm-up before hounds take to the flagstones at the West of England Hound Show.

Dunster’s Five Couple Class is a great addition to the usual catalogue of classes seen at hound shows and drew a very appreciative audience. The Park Beagles claimed the honours, deservedly taking home the trophy and £75 prize money.

All eyes will now be on those that won classes at Dunster to see if they can follow up their success with further prizes at the final major hound show of the summer at Honiton on Thursday, 6 August.

Take a look at pictures of some of the championship winners and full results below (pictures courtesy of Ian Ware Photography).

Devon & Cornwall Brushford 14, winner of the minkhound championship

Quantock Reason 11 claims the staghound bitch championship

The Tiverton Staghounds claim the champion foxhound title with their unentered doghound Rupert

Champion harrier, Taunton Vale Barrister 12

The Park Beagles claim the prestigious Five Couple Class to win The Transatlantic Cup

Full results

Staghounds — judged by Pat Coyle and Tony Holdsworth

Single unentered doghound

1st Tiverton Rupert

2nd Devon & Somerset (DSSH) Layman

3rd Tiverton Rumour

Single entered doghound

1st DSSH Sampson 12

2nd Tiverton Dawlish 14

3rd Tiverton Rudolf 14

Champion doghound for the Betty Long Memorial Perpetual Challenge Cup

Winner — Tiverton Rupert

Reserve — DSSH Sampson 12

Couple doghounds

1st Quantock Ledger 15 & Limecombe 15

2nd Tiverton Rucksack 15 & Rupert 15

3rd Tiverton Rumour 15 & Rudolf 14

Single unentered bitch hound

1st Tiverton Rubic

2nd DSSH Challow

3rd Quantock Harmony

Single entered bitch hound

1st Quantock Reason 11

2nd DSSH Chuckle

3rd Tiverton Rustic 14

Couple bitch hounds

1st Tiverton Rustic 14 & Ruffle 14

2nd Quantock Picnic 10 & Rustic 14

3rd Tiverton Rubic 15 & Rummy 15

Champion bitch hound and the Dunster Cup

Winner — Quantock Reason 11

Reserve — Tiverton Rubic 15

Overall champion stag hound for the Govier Cup

Winner — Tiverton Rupert

Reserve — Quantock Reason 11

Foxhounds — judged by Jacky Thomas MFH and Tony Wright

Single unentered doghound

1st South Tetcott Rancher

2nd Tetcott Hollywood

3rd Torrington Farmers Deacon

Single entered doghound

1st Dulverton West Harrier 14

2nd Tetcott Broadway 14

3rd Dulverton West Harlequin 14

The Brooker Pertpetual Challenge Cup for the best dog hound

Winner — Dulverton West Harrier 14

Reserve — South Tetcott Rancher

Single unentered bitch hound

1st South Tetcott Raspberry

2nd South Tetcott Raisen

3rd Tetcott Holly

Single entered bitch hound

1st Dulverton West Havoc 14

2nd Dulerton West Happy 14

3rd South Tetcott Gaylass 13

The Trollope of Canada Rosebowl for the best bitch

Winner — South Tetcott Raspberry

Reserve — Dulverton West Havoc 14

Best couple foxhounds

1. Dulverton West Pelican 13 & Sampson 14

2. Tetcott Brampton 14 & Branston 14

3. Torrington Farmers Gambler 14 & Garfield 14

The Ken Beaver Memorial Challenge Trophy for the best couple foxhounds

Dulverton West Pelican 13 & Sampson 14

The Beaufort Memorial Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best foxhound in show

Winner — Dulverton West Harrier 14

Reserve — Cattistock Radish

Harriers — judged by Gilmore Lewis and John Norrish

Single unentered doghound

1st Axe Vale Brecon

2nd Taunton Vale Fearless

3rd Dart Vale & South Pool (DVSP) Rhymer

Single entered doghound

1st Taunton Vale Banwell 12

2nd Taunton Vale Badger 12

3rd DV&SP Landscape

Stallion hound

1st Taunton Vale Barrister 12

2nd Axe Vale Tucker 13

3rd Cotley Demon 10

The Chanin & Thomas Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best harrier doghound

Winner — Taunton Vale Barrister 12

Reserve — Axe Vale Brecon

Single unentered bitch hound

1st DVSP Waffle

2nd Axe Vale Biscuit

3rd Minehead Banter

Single entered bitch hound

1st Axe Vale Lady 11

2nd DVSP Levity 14

3rd Taunton Vale Barbara 12

Brood bitch hound

1st Axe Vale Waffle 12

2nd Taunton Vale Waitress 12

3rd DVSP Crackling 13

The Joan Collins Perpetual Challenge Cup for the champion harrier bitch

Winner — Axe Vale Lady 11

Reserve — Axe Vale Waffle 12

Best couple harriers

1st Taunton Vale Badger 12 & Banwell 12

2nd Axe Vale Biscuit 15 & Busy 15

3rd Taunton Vale Ferni 15 & Feather 15

The Jack Waters Memorial Cup for the champion un-enetered harrier

Winner — Axe Vale Brecon

The Julie Worssam Memorial Challenge Cup for the champion harrier

Winner — Taunton Vale Barrister 12

Reserve — Axe Vale Lady 11

Beagles — judged by David Gaylard and Ashley Doherty MH

Single unentered doghound

1st Taw Vale Mudlark

2nd Park Oscar

3rd Park Huntsman

Single entered doghound

1st Park Waiter

2nd Stoke Hill & North Dartmoor (SHND) Wallace 13

3rd Taw Vale Actor 12

Stallion hound

1st West Somerset Taunton 12

2nd Taw Vale Actor 12

3rd Park Mulberry 08

The Sheppard Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best doghound

Winner — Park Waiter

Reserve — West Somerset Taunton 12

Single unentered bitch hound

1st Park Olive

2nd West Somerset Playful

3rd Park Onion

Single entered bitch hound

1st SHND Willing 14

2nd West Somerset Bracelet 11

3rd Park Woeful 13

Brood bitch hound

1st West Somerset Biscuit 07

2nd SHND Cocoa

3rd Taw Vale Madcap 11

Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best brood bitch presented by Me and Mrs D Gaylard

Winner: West Somerset Biscuit 07

The Tatlow Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best bitch hound

Winner — SHND Willing 14

Reserve — West Somerset Biscuit 07

The Hare Hunter Trophy for the best beagle in the show

Winner — SHND Willing 14

Reserve — Park Waiter

Mink hounds — judged by Ian Coghill and Mrs. E. M. Williams

Pure bred doghound for the Vincent Salver

1st Culmstock Captain 11

2nd Culmstock Ceasar 11

3rd Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire Tristan 11

Pure bred bitch hound for the Vincent Salver

1st Culmstock Marvel 11

2nd Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire Lonesome 14

3rd Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire Paleface 12

Couple pure bred, either sex for the Bartlett Salver

1st Culmstock Captain 11 & Caesar

2nd Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire Quebec & Quimer

3rd Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire Cedric 12 & Cecil 12

Whisky Tumbler to Champion Pure Bred Minkhound — Culmstock Captain

Part bred doghound

1st Devon & Cornwall Brushford 14

2nd Courtenay Tracy Palmer

3rd Devon & Cornwall Belstone 14

Part bred bitch hound

1st Devon & Cornwall Bracken

2nd Devon & Cornwall Barbara 14

3rd Courtenay Tracy Peanut 07

Couple, part bred either sex

1st Devon & Cornwall Brushford 14 & Belstone 14

2nd Courtenay Tracy Basil & Butler

Mary Bromiley MBE Trophy for the Champion Part Bred Minkhound — Devon & Cornwall Brushford 14

Whisky Tumbler to Part Bred Champion Minkhound — Devon & Cornwall Brushford 14

Perpetual Trophy

Champion Minkhound — Devon & Cornwall Brushford 14

Reserve Champion — Culmstock Captain 11

The Transatlantic Cup for the five couple pack class

1st Park Beagles

2nd Devon & Cornwall Minkhounds

3rd West Somerset Foxhounds

The Peter Cheppard Memorial Challenge Cup for the beagle pack in the five couple class

Park Beagles

The Ian Liddell-Grainger Cup for the supreme champion hound

Winner — Taunton Vale Harrier Barrister

The Eric Green Cup for the kennel scoring the most points throughout the day

Winner — Taunton Vale Harriers

The Dunster Country Fair Salver for the kennel with a professional huntsman gaining the most points throughout the day

Winner — Taunton Vale Harriers

The £25 Prize for the pack travelling the furthest to the Show

Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire Minkhounds

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

So, just what is it that draws such a large crowd to the Festival of Hunting at the East Of England Showground each year?

Is it the fact that it is the greatest gathering of hounds in the country? Or perhaps it’s the increasingly popular inter-hunt relay where the senior teams compete for £1,000 top prize. For some it could be the draw of being able to browse the vast array of shops where it is possible to buy almost anything ever needed to equip yourself for a day’s hunting.

With separate rings for all the different types of hounds — modern and Old English foxhounds, beagles, harriers, draghounds, bloodhounds and bassets — this event, held on Wednesday, 22 July, really was the place to be for those interested in hounds. With packs from all over the country attending, it brought together many of the country’s best show hounds.

Take a look at our gallery to see some of the highlights of the show and don’t miss Horse & Hound on 30 July for the full report on the foxhounds, Old English foxhounds, draghounds, bloodhounds and basset hounds. The beagles and harriers report will be in 6 August 2015 issue.

Dog and bitch hound champions in the basset ring running off against eachother for the supreme in show title

The Barlow’s successful junior inter-hunt relay team

Four Shires Magnum 14, a popular winner in the basset hound classes

Suffolk Marmalade takes the restricted unentered bitch hound class

VWH huntsman Philip Hague at the start of the day

VWH supporters: former joint-master Countess Goess-Saurau, hound breeder Martin Scott and Tessa Good MFH

Continued below…

Which hounds came up trumps at the Great Yorkshire Show? PICTURES

Take a look at our hound show gallery from this year's Great Yorkshire Show

Who caught the eye at the Blaston Hound Show? PICTURES

Take a look at who the winners were at this ever-popular hound show

Fitzwilliam huntsman George Adams and ring steward’s assistant Jim Lang share a moment

Kennel-huntsman Matthew Puffer surveys the judging

Stallion hound winner Grove & Rufford Bellman 13

Matt Ramsden MFH and Ian McKie MFH synchronise their judging decisions

Champion modern foxhounds bitch Grove & Rufford Duchess 12 crowns a successful day for the pack

Two couple winners VWH Nightshirt, Scallywag, Scoundrel and Steptoe having some preparation ahead of their class

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It would be no surprise to learn that there were all shapes and sizes of hounds at the Festival of Hunting at the South of England showground on Wednesday, 22 July.

However this was not all the day had to offer though, with something for every hunting enthusiast — also of all shapes and sizes — to enjoy.

Aside from the packs that went home as champions in their own rings, we recall some of the many memorable moments from this year’s show and see why the 2016 Festival of Hunting is not to be missed…

1. Fitting finale for retiring local huntsman

Showing hounds for the last time at this show before his retirement at the end of the 2015/16 season, George Adams — huntsman of the Fitzwilliam (Milton) — was rewarded for his dedication to hunting when walking away with the unentered doghound title with Bretton.

In recognition of this success, the Horse & Hound Challenge Cup was awarded to Fitzwilliam joint-master and chairman of the Royal Foxhound Show, Sir Philip Naylor-Leyland Bt, MFH.

2. Credit card meltdown

For those not wanting to spend the whole day watching hounds being shown, there were plenty of opportunities to spend hard-earned cash or to use a flexible friend in the large shopping village. From horseboxes to pairs of socks, there was something for every hunting enthusiast to buy in preparation for the season ahead.

Continued below…

15 riders reach the point of no return

We’ve all been there — one minute you’re enjoying the ride of your life and the next you experience that

3. Shrieks from the inter-hunt relay ring

Things were getting very tense in the final stages with every pole knocked down counting for time added, so it wasn’t always easy to immediately identify the winners of the senior or junior relay competitions just by who was first to cross the line.

Following the announcements of the results of each round, shrieks of delight or disappointment could be heard all across the showground.

Those celebrating included the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase who secured their fourth impressive relay victory of the season while the junior winners were the Barlow Hunt.

4. Refined layout hailed a success

Despite initial concerns upon arrival when being marshalled into a completely different parking area than has been traditionally used, the organisers had set the show up with a new, more compact layout. This was found to be much more user-friendly than in previous years and was welcomed by visitors old and new.

5. Happy ending to mistaken identity

Seen busily taking pictures of hounds and hunt staff was Mark Rendall — a keen equine and hunting photographer whose pictures have previously been published in H&H. Having almost the same name as a well-known intelligence officer from the League Against Cruel Sports — an organisation not known for its pro-hunting tendencies — might have justifiably given some of those from around the hound rings some cause for concern, however everyone’s blushes were happily saved by Mark’s H&H credentials.

6. Black eye for the President

Martin Letts MFH, this year’s president of the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show was sporting a rather distinguished-looking black eye following an altercation leading up to the show with his lawnmower. Among his messages inside the show catalogue, perhaps written in hope of avoiding a second black eye, he said: “Alas, old age curbs recognition, so if you feel blanked, please say your name and country. I have recall of the latter but not of the former.”

7. Watching and learning

While watching the judging of the foxhounds, it was interesting to see the various “masterclasses” that were going on ringside. Pearls of wisdom were being shared with those wishing to learn more about the intricacies of judging hounds.

None looked more entertaining than that being given by Robin Vestey, joint-master of the Thurlow who was more than qualified to impart his knowledge, after wins for his pack in both the doghound and bitch hound couples classes.

8. Hounds for everyone

Anyone interested in hounds had a field day. A large number of packs took part in the 127th Royal Foxhound Show while elsewhere there were Old English foxhounds, beagles, harriers, basset hounds, draghounds and bloodhounds all competing for prestigious championship titles.

In addition, there were fell hounds and working terriers too. Legendary huntsman Barry Todhunter and the famous Blencathra Foxhounds came down from the Lake District to represent the fell packs.

For all the lowdown including the full report, results and many other highlights from this year’s Festival of Hunting, please see Horse & Hound magazine on 31 July and 6 August 2015

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Grove and Rufford Hunt enjoyed considerable success in the foxhound ring at the Great Yorkshire Show last week (15 July), claiming both the doghound and bitch hound championships.

It was frustrating for the show organisers that only eight foxhound packs showed their hounds due to kennel cough having afflicted some of those that attended the hound show at Builth (25 June), and a number of others staying away due to concerns about the potential for contracting it.

On day one of the show, the beagles and harriers had their own rings where the Ampleforth Beagles and the Holcombe Harriers both had very successful days.

It all gets too much for one ring-shy foxhound — seen here trying to escape

Man’s best friend: the Morpeth huntsman and one of his hounds having a quiet moment before entering the ring

Beagles winner Ampleforth Fadmoor during the run-off

Grove and Rufford Bellman 13, winner of the best stallion hound class and overall champion

Presentation to the connections of Newcastle and District Wildboy 09, who was awarded best stallion hound in the beagles ring

Best entered couple of doghounds; Grove and Rufford Stilton 14 & Strongbow 14

Zetland huntsman David Jukes enjoys a moment with his hounds before they enter the show ring

Judging inside the foxhound ring

The Colne Valley Beagles take first and second prizes in the entered doghound class

A photo call for Grove and Rufford Banish 14, overall bitch hound champion

Champion Bitch hound Banish from the Grove & Rufford

Further pictures from both days of the show can be seen here: www.horseandhound/great-yorkshire-show and for the full report and results, please see H&H on 23 July 2015.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The ever-popular Blaston Hound Show took place on 28 June in Blaston, Leicestershire.

With 18 packs taking part, nine in the modern foxhound classes and nine in the Old English, there was plenty to entertain the enthusiastic ringside audience.

In its 13th year, Blaston’s annual show has become a rehearsal for the major hound shows still to come. Sadly, with the outbreak of kennel cough in different parts of the country, some packs were unable to attend and will miss out on the forthcoming shows at both Harrogate and Peterborough.

The Fernie Hunt enjoyed success during the judging of the doghounds, taking the stallion hound class with Siren 11, who went on to take the overall doghound title.

The Kimblewick’s first visit to the show from their kennels in Buckinghamshire paid off when they enjoyed considerable success in the bitch hound classes. With joint-master and huntsman Gerald Sumner taking a family holiday, whipper-in Rob Truscott showed their hounds, ably assisted by hunt supporter and puppy walker Nyree Fitzgerald.

Kimblewick Snowdrop claimed the unentered bitch hound class before Kimblewick Boozie 14 & Nutmeg 14 took the prize for the best couple. Boozie then went on to be crowned the bitch champion with Snowdrop in reserve.

In the Old English classes, Hurworth Corporal 13, the stallion hound winner proceeded to take the doghound championship while the Pytchley enjoyed success when their unentered winner Plumpton who was awarded the bitch hound championship.

Bitch hound champion Kimblewick Boozie 14

Judging the Old English doghounds with Blaston Church in the background

A couple of the Brocklesby’s Old English hounds

Judging the Old English hounds: H&H columnist John Holliday with Patrick Martin, former huntsman of the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase

Continued below…

The winners: Wales & Border Counties Hound Show [PICS]

Find out which hounds caught the judges' eyes at the Wales & Border Counties Hound Show at Builth Wells

Who was the pick of the bunch at the South of England hound show? [PICTURES]

Catch up with the latest news and find out who the winners were at the early hound show in Ardingly,

Old English bitch hound champion, the unentered winner Pytchley Plumpton

Suffolk Starter, winner of the unentered doghound class in the modern foxhounds ring

Bodmin 13 & Bogard 13, winners for the Croome & West Warwickshire in the doghound couples class

Fernie Siren 11, overall doghound champion

Judges Neil Coleman and Paul Larby assessing the doghounds

For a full report please see report in Horse & Hound on 16 July 2015

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A wide variety of hounds were showing at the Wales & Border Counties Hound Show at Builth Wells on 25 June.

There was something for everyone with Welsh Foxhounds, Fellhounds, English Foxhounds and Beagles all taking part, and a large number of packs showing high quality hounds.

In addition there were a number of stalls selling hunting-related items for those wishing to browse in between watching the judging.

The English Foxhound ring had judges visiting from the Live Oak Hunt in Florida, USA. Daphne Wood MFH and Martin Scott judged the doghounds while Daphne’s husband Martin, judged the bitches with Adam Waugh.

In the Welsh foxhounds ring, the Gelligaer Farmers unentered doghound class winner Druid went on to take the doghound title. He was up against the bitch hound champion Teme Valley Tally 12 — also the winner of the entered bitch class — for the overall championship, which judges Ken Jones and Wil Jones awarded to the young doghound.

The Glen Celyn beagles won their first major championship since 1928 with Traveller 14, winner of the overall doghound title.

While in the Fellhound ring, Coniston Lyric 09 retained her championship title for the second year running.

Judging of the Welsh Foxhounds

Hunt staff and hounds trying to catch the judge’s eye in the English foxhounds ring

Winning stallion hound, North Cotswold Greenwich 13 with judge Daphne Wood MFH

Welsh stallion hound winner, Cwrt-y-Cadno Bailiff 11

View over the foxhound ring

Gelligaer Farmers Druid, champion Welsh foxhound

Supporters came from far and wide to enjoy the show

Hunt staff showing their hounds off to the judges

Discussing the judging of the beagles

For the full report and results, please see Horse & Hound on 9 July 2015.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The first of the major hound shows recently took place over two days at the South of England hound show in Ardingly, West Sussex. The judging of the foxhounds was on Thursday 11 June with the beagles classes on Friday 12 June.

On foxhound day, Major Tim Easby, director of the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) and Lady Arabella Moger MFH judged the doghounds while Alastair Jackson and Joss Hanbury — joint-master of the Quorn — judged the bitches.

A strong contigent from both the Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray from West Sussex, and the VWH from Glos proved hard to beat with the majority of classes being split between them.

On beagles day, Martin Weatherhead and Andrew Kellaway were judging the doghounds, with Tim Coulson MFH and Simon Dunn responsible for deciding the winners of the bitch hounds.

The Blean Beagles enjoyed their first major success for many years while the Stoke Hill and North Dartmoor’s Commander 12 took the doghound championship, following up his win in both the entered and stallion hound classes. Several packs were victorious throughout the judging of the bitches, but it was the turn of Palmer Marlborough Woodbine 12 to take the bitch hound championship.

Huntsmen entering the ring at the South of England Hound Show

Hounds awaiting the judging

Doghound, Stoke Hill and North Dartmoor Commander 12, with reserve Christ Church and Farley Hill Brutus 14 (behind)

Hague with the doghound winners of the two couple class

View from the stands during the judging

Heythrop Raspberry 11, winner of the brood bitch class

Deciding the bitch hound championship

The Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray’s Mascot and Mandate, winners of the unentered doghounds couple class

The judging of the bitch hound championship on beagles day

An East Kent with West Street hound is keen to get involved

For the full report and further pictures, please see Horse & Hound on 18 June 2015

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Our countryside is brimming with life. Grass is starting to grow and lambs are everywhere. St Swithin has been kind to the shepherd thus far, although our point-to-point course could do with a soaking to improve the ground.

New life comes to kennels, too. Most puppies are born from early spring onwards. Hound breeders will have been watching their charges keenly over the season, and a list of suitable bitches should have been compiled and stallion hounds selected, preferably before Christmas.

Quite rightly, hounds have no commercial value. After one of ours won several championships a few years ago, some of our subscribers thought he could be a panacea for any financial woes. Dante may have the grace and power of Frankel, but pride in his work and his offspring are our only gains.

We do not have a reliable knacker truck, so bitches and stallion hounds have been criss-crossing the country in the master or huntsman’s family car. Considering they aren’t used to it, hounds travel remarkably well in the car, save for a few “accidents”, particularly as the journey is often several hours long, including comfort and food stops (for the driver).

Never just turn up without warning to collect the bitch a few weeks later. The huntsmen might be understandably annoyed at the impertinence; moreover your future matron and pride and joy

might have a full bladder, temporarily at least, until the first corner. The huntsman deserves a proper “thank you” for looking after your bitch and making sure the deed was done well. Otherwise your next bitch to visit might produce a curious-looking litter that bears an uncanny resemblance to the kennelman’s rampant terrier.

Mid-journey comfort breaks for hounds should be undertaken with great care. Half a century ago, a college pack of beagles was travelling north for its annual hunting trip when, after several hours bumping up the old A1, the young master thought the hounds could do with a leg-stretch.

Before the last one had jumped out of the van, the lead hounds had found a hare on the verge. Later, when apologies were being given, local farmers were impressed that their unannounced visitors had come from nearly 100 miles away and yet were still hunting strong.

No doubt the wizened old kennel-huntsman had a few choice words for the crest-fallen master — “Another ****ing bright idea, sir.”

There are few sights in spring more life-affirming than a brood bitch tending her pups with the freedom of kennels. Soon they will be out at walk, causing joy and mayhem in equal measure.

Ref: H&H 7 May, 2015

Comparing bygone heroes with contemporary stars is futile, but it can be fun and makes us think about the qualities required for success.

Would Geoff Hurst have saved England’s blushes in last year’s football World Cup? And who would you have backed in the quest for Cheltenham’s golden crown?

Arkle — the classic warrior, Kauto Star — the continental superstar, or Best Mate — the romantic hero?

As for the “Battle of the Foxhound”, would it be a fair contest? Probably not.

Over the past century, the rate of development in the countryside has far outpaced the normal rate of natural evolution, and yet the foxhound is still producing remarkable hunts in a noisier, smellier, more congested world.

In its simplest interpretation, Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural selection has little to do with the evolution of the foxhound. Even more than the thoroughbred, the modern foxhound — whatever the strain — is a product of countless centuries of careful breeding by masters and huntsmen. True, there have been convenient mistakes and some breeders are more thorough in their research and critical selection criteria than others.

Huntsmen and hound breeders should be constantly evaluating their hounds, even the ones who for one reason or another won’t make it on to the breeding programme. Match fitness is very important and, like many kennels, we keep assiduous records of hound lists for each day’s hunting. Pleasingly, of the 65 days we hunted this season, 80% of hounds hunted 55 days or more.

The inter-war seismic shift in hound breeding away from the heavy “short-horn” hound towards a more athletic type has eventually benefited both the modern and old English types.

Most huntsmen want sharp, yet biddable hounds that have the drive, athleticism and confidence to produce as decent and significant a hunt as the country can sustain. Longevity is crucial too, for the balance and education of the pack.

Modern hounds’ tolerance

The hound of 100 years ago, even 50, would be horrified at what its descendants tolerate. The odd car exhaust, single strand of wire, considerate train driver and over-keen thruster on a young horse were the limits of their concern.

One of my bête noires is stock fencing topped with two strands of barbed wire protecting what used to be a perfectly good hedge — the stuff of a huntsman’s nightmare.

Last weekend, after our hounds negotiated a series of hazards in fine style without checking, I wondered to what degree we should attribute the foxhound’s ability to cope with the challenges of hunting across the modern countryside to the process of controlled, selective breeding. How much does each generation of hound have to adapt to its current, ever-changing environment? I don’t have the answer but surely the intelligence and beguiling charisma of the foxhound must develop beyond our basic breeding criteria.

The huntsman’s handling is of course crucial and can complicate objective assessment. Given a fair chance, most packs should produce good sport in the right hands and the average standard of hound welfare has never been higher. So it should be with advances in veterinary science, kennel design, management technique and communication.

With the benefit of nature (controlled breeding) and nurture (huntsmen’s handling and hounds’ experiences), if the modern hound went back to hunt the Edwardian Elysian Fields, I’d wager our forebears would have to push their hats down and kick on.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 19 March 2015

A group of hounds have been killed after running onto a railway line in Devon on Saturday (22 November).

Thirty hounds from the Dartmoor hunt found their way onto the tracks between Langham Levels and Fardel Bridge (not pictured). Six of them were then hit by a passing train.

Tom Lyle, joint-master of the Dartmoor, has called it a “distressing and regrettable incident”.

“Nothing like this has ever happened to the hunt before and it was very upsetting to all involved,” he added.

A Network Rail spokesperson confirmed to H&H that at around 12.15pm on Saturday police rung to inform them that 30 unaccompanied hounds were on the line at Ivybridge.

“Sadly, at around the same time a train travelling through the area collided with six of the dogs, all of which died as a result of their injuries,” the spokesman said.

“Our staff attended the site as soon as they were able and worked with police to try and locate the other dogs and remove the remains from the track.”

This is the second fatal incident involving trains this week. On 19 November a group of 12 horses were killed after escaping onto tracks in Cambridgeshire.

The British Transport Police put out an appeal after the incident to try and trace the owner of the horses who had not come forward.

“We are very keen to find out who the horses belong to,” sergeant David Barker said.

“At the moment it is not clear how many horses died in the incident, however, we now believe that at least 12 were killed.

“We just can’t ascertain how the horses got onto the line, there doesn’t seem to have been any obvious access point, but we’re keeping an open mind.

“If anyone has any information, which they think that could help us in our investigations please get in touch.”

Anyone with information about the incident in Cambridgeshire is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B2 of 20/11/14. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

More than 120 people, including many children, attended the inaugural opening meet of the newly formed Woolaston Bassets last week (Saturday 25 October) at the Old Rectory in Woolaston, Glos.

The pack’s 3½ couple of drafted basset hounds were hunted by joint-master Norman Matthews following the official opening by hunt president Diana Bown, a former master of foxhounds (MFH).

Hannah Matthews, Norman’s wife and joint-master, told H&H: “It has taken over 12 months to get here. We had to become registered with the MBHA [Masters of Basset Hounds Association] and draft hounds from various packs, however today has made it all worthwhile.”

Hannah continued: “Having been in hunt service, Norman now wants to share his knowledge and encourage the younger followers by teaching them how to whip-in and hunt hounds.”

The Woolaston Bassets are one of only two newly formed packs of hounds this season, the other being the Moorlands foxhounds in Derbyshire, which was formed following the disbandment of the Staffordshire Moorland at the end of the 2013-14 season.

Including the newly-formed Wollaston Bassets, there are now eight UK packs registered to the MBHA plus a further two member packs in the USA.

Basset hounds, which are scent hounds, are known for being slow and methodical movers. This enables the hunt staff and their followers — who are on foot rather than on horseback — to keep in contact with the hounds and watch them work.

Traditionally, basset hounds were bred to hunt rabbits and hare and their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the bloodhound. They are usually bi-coloured or tri-coloured, and easily identifiable by their short legs.

Following the implementation of the Hunting Act 2004, basset hound packs operate within the confines of the law by following the trail of an artificial scent or by one of the other means of exempt hunting.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (30 October 2014).

Download the H&H hunting directory for £1.49

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The 37th Dunster Country Fair Hound Show took place on 30 July on Dunster Lawns in West Somerset. With Dunster Castle overlooking the show and the Bristol Channel just a moment away, the setting is one to savour (pictured above).

Just a handful of the 31 packs entered were unable to attend on the day, however all three of the country’s staghounds packs competed against each other. The show is often seen as a warm-up to the West of England Hound Show at Honiton on Thursday, 7 August (full report in H&H magazine, on sale 14 August).

Prizes in the foxhound, staghound, harrier, beagle and minkhound classes were split across a number of different packs with the overall supreme championship going to the Devon and Somerset Staghounds (DSSH) Destiny 09, who had earlier won the staghound title.

Dulverton West’s unentered doghound Harrier, was awarded the champion foxhound title, while the Cotley’s Bedale 12 took the harrier equivalent.

Chilmark and Clifton Foot Farquhar 13 claimed the beagle championship, with the Devon and Cornwall’s Brushford securing the minkhound title.

The Dunster Country Fair salver awarded to a professional huntsman gaining the most points throughout the day was awarded to the Devon and Somerset Staghounds. They also were awarded the Eric Green Cup for the kennels scoring the most points throughout the day.

Full results

Foxhounds – judged by Diana Scott & Ian Pearce MFH

Single unentered Dog hound

1st — Dulverton West Harrier 2nd — Cattistock Ranter 3rd — Dulverton West Harlequin

Single entered Dog hound

1st — Mendip Goshawk 2nd — Dulverton West Pelican 3rd — West Somerset Lancombe

Champion doghound — Dulverton West Harrier

Reserve — Mendip Goshawk

Single unentered bitch hound

1st — Cattistock Radish 2nd — Dulverton West Happy 3rd — Silverton Laughter

Single entered bitch hound

1st — South Tetcott Gaylass 2nd — Dulverton West Pencil 3rd — Lamerton Alpha

Champion bitch — Cattistock Radish

Reserve — South Tetcott Gaylass

Overall champion foxhound — Dulverton West Harrier (unentered)

Reserve — Cattistock Radish

Staghounds — judged by William Bryer MFH & Will Goffe

Single unentered doghound

1st — Tiverton Daystar 2nd — Tiverton Dawish 3rd — Quantock Layman

Single entered doghound

1st — DSSH Sampson 12 2nd — Tiverton Dunster 13 3rd — Tiverton Wizard 13

Champion doghound — Tiverton Daystar

Reserve — DSSH Sampson 12

Couple doghounds

1st — Quantock Larger & Layman 2nd — Tiverton Daystar & Dawlish 3rd — DSSH Packman & Sampson

Single unentered bitch hound

1st — Tiverton Rustic 2nd — Quantock Rustic 3rd — Tiverton Ruin

Single entered bitch hound

1st — DSSH Destiny 2nd — Quantock Picnic 3rd — Quantock Pancake

Couple bitch hounds

1st — Tiverton Ruffel & Rustic 2nd — Quantock Picnic & Pancake 3rd — Tiverton Ruin & Ruthless

Champion bitch — DSSH Destiny 09

Reserve — Tiverton Rustic

Overall champion staghound — DSSH Destiny 09

Reserve — Tiverton Daystar

Harriers — judged by David Palmer MFH & Bill Bishop MFH

Single unentered dog hound

1st — Minehead Hawthorne 2nd — Cotley Latimer 3rd — Taunton Vale Hornet

Single entered dog hound

1st — Cotley Bedale 2nd — Minehead Baliff 3rd — Taunton Vale Badger

Stallion hound

1st — Cotley Demon 2nd — Taunton Vale Barrister 3rd — DV&SP Warpaint

Champion doghound — Cotley Bedale

Reserve — Cotley Demon

Single unentered bitch hound

1st — Taunton Vale Lanacre 2nd — Minehead Willow 3rd — Taunton Vale Lavender

Single entered bitch hound

1st — Taunton Vale Waitress 2nd — Cotley Dazzle 3rd — Minehead Daring

Brood bitch hound

1st — Axe Vale Waffle 2nd — DV&SP Stylish 3rd — Taunton Vale Havoc

Champion bitch hound — Axe Vale Waffle

Reserve — Taunton Vale Lanacre

Champion unentered — Minehead Hawthorne

Reserve — Taunton Vale Lanacre

Champion harrier — Cotley Bedale

Reserve — Axe Vale Waffle

Beagles — judged by Ian Cunningham MH & Nikki Hancock

Single unentered dog hound

1st — Taw Vale Trojan 2nd — West Somerset Winston 3rd — Chilmark & Clifton Valesman

Single entered dog hound

1st — Chilmark & Clifton Farquar 2nd — SH&ND Commander 3rd — Chilmark & Clifton Falcon

Stallion Hound

1st — SH&ND Commander 2nd — Park Mulberry 3rd — Chilmark & Clifton Muster

Champion doghound — Chilmark & Clifton Foot Farquar

Reserve — SH&ND Commander

Single unentered bitch hound

1st — Palmer Marlborough Tablet 2nd — SH&ND Willing 3rd — Palmer Marlborough Dazzle

Single entered bitch hound

1st — Palmer Marlborough Crocus 2nd — Palmer & Marlborough Woodbine 3rd — Chilmark & Clifton Virtue

Brood bitch hound

1st — Palmer & Marlborough Womble 2nd — Chilmark & Clifton Mulberry 3rd — SH&ND Cleo

Champion bitch hound — Palmer Marlborough Womble

Reserve — Palmer Marlborough Crocus

Overall champion beagle — Chilmark & Clifton Farquhar

Reserve — Palmer Marlborough Womble

Minkhounds — judged by Patcrick Comber & James Batchelor

Pure bred dog hound for the Vincent Salver

1st — Culmstock Captain 2nd — Culmstock Ceasar 3rd — Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire Tristan

Pure bred bitch hound for the Vincent Salver

1st — Culmstock Maiden 2nd — Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire Tosca 3rd — Culmstock Marvel

Couple pure bred, either sex for the Vincent Salver

1st — Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire Cedric & Cecil 2nd — Culmstock Captain & Merlin 3rd — Culmstock Sunset & Maiden

Champion pure bred minkhound — Culmstock Captain

Part bred dog hound

1st — Devon & Cornwall Brushford 2nd — Courtenay Tracy Palmer 3rd — Courtenay Tracy Poacher

Part bred bitch hound

1st — Devon & Cornwall Arctic 2nd — Devon & Cornwall Avon 3rd — Devon & Cornwall Cobweb

Couple, part bred either sex

1st — Devon & Cornwall Belstone & Brushford 2nd — Courtenay Tracy Peanut & Pebbles 3rd — Culmstock Solomon & Sampson

Champion part bred minkhound — Devon & Cornwall Brushford

Champion doghound — Devon & Cornwall Brushford

Reserve champion doghound — Culmstock Captain

Champion bitch hound — Culmstock Maiden

Reserve champion bitch hound — Devon & Cornwall Arctic

Champion minkhound — Devon & Cornwall Brushford

Reserve champion — Culmstock Maiden

Five couple

The Transatlantic Cup for the five couple pack class

1st — Lamerton 2nd — Taunton Vale Harriers 3rd — Devon & Cornwall Minkhounds 4th — West Somerset Foxhounds

The Peter Sheppard Memorial Challenge Cup for the beagle pack class

Chilmark & Clifton Foot Beagles

The puppy show season has peaked and the hunt horses have returned from their summer sojourn to the kennels. Mounted hound exercise has begun, bringing, as always, an air of excitement of the season to come.

The Duke of Rutland’s puppy show ran smoothly, with an agreed good doghound entry although, I think it would be fair to say, the bitches did not quite reach the same standard.

They were judged by Dominic Jones MFH from the South Dorset and Joe Townsend, huntsman for the Hurworth.

I have enjoyed the pleasure of a number of judging engagements this summer. The first was the Essex and with it, my first visit to that county. Prior to my departure, I was issued dire warnings by Peter Collins, the Quorn huntsman, as to what to expect from the locals. He is an avid fan of a television program called TOWIE, so I traversed the M11 with some trepidation.

I was greeted by a fine cross-section of the rural Essex community and a fine pack of hounds. Their coats shone like guardsman’s toecaps, difficult to achieve so early in the summer. They looked as well if not better than any I have seen this year.

The welcoming and attentive audience was, as far as a naive northern lad can tell (without closer inspection) free of breast enhancements and spray-on tan.

My co-judge was James Barclay, whom it was my pleasure to assist. Mr Barclay comes from the area and was a swift and confident appraiser, as one would expect from someone whose family is as steeped in hunting lore as they.

Being a large-framed fellow he also provided, on what was a sunny day, a liberal amount of welcome shade.

From the rolling wheat fields and hair extensions of Essex, my next engagement was the domicile of footballers and white Range Rovers: the apparently endless grassland of Cheshire.

Again, the guests didn’t fit with the modern-day caricature of that fair county — no tattoos that I noticed, nobody proclaiming undying love to bygone girlfriends, and nobody dripping with gold and diamonds.

The only concession to the modern parody was the prizes. Never have I seen, outside Garrard’s, such an array of silverware in one place — it would warrant high-level security. The cups and mementos laid out on the table would have rivalled the trophy room at Old Trafford. Small wonder one sensed an air of competition among the puppy walkers.

The 126th Royal Peterborough Foxhound show has just been held. In the doghound championship, it would have been nice to see Patrick Martin finish his distinguished hunting career with a Bicester champion, but it was not to be, pipped as they were at the post by VWH Steptoe 13.

Access to the finest stallion hounds, for even the smallest kennel, is given freely and generously and this has resulted in the very high standards now attained in the modern foxhound.

Many of the smaller hunts can now compete very well with the larger and more established showing packs. I doubt this munificence is equalled in any other field of animal breeding.

Drama overtook proceedings during the harrier judging after what can only be described as a fracas reminiscent of the football terraces, in the collecting ring. Yes, at Peterborough — is nowhere sacred?

A group of school children from Nottingham recently enjoyed a tour of the Belvoir kennels, escorted by Sarah McCorquodale MFH. In the Duke’s room, which functions as a mini museum, a rather moth-eaten and greying fox mask always gives rise to much debate.

One diligent youth took time to read the small print about the exceptional hunt during which the Dukes hounds were joined by the Quorn, before overtaking their fox at Welby Holt. Duly impressed, a serious young face turned to Lady Sarah and asked: “It must have been tiring, were you on that hunt?” The date was 22 December, 1884.

John’s column was first published in Horse & Hound (24 July, 2014)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The revised East Anglian Hound Show, kindly sponsored by Mr Jeremy Lawes, held within Horseheath Country Fair on Sunday, 6 July, is now in its second year.

The show saw five packs showing some quality hounds, judged by

Dick Chapman, huntsman of the newly-formed Moorlands Hunt.

The champion doghound was Cottesmore Whopper and the champion bitch was Suffolk Bonfire, who went on to stand supreme and win the Essex County Shield.

Results – Dog Hounds

Unentered:

1^st Stalker (Cottesmore)

2^nd Moonstone (Puckeridge)

3^rd Stowaway (Puckeridge)

Entered:

1^st Gallant (Cottesmore)

2^nd Charger (Thurlow)

3^rd Ragtime (Puckeridge)

Unentered Couple:

1^st Moonshine & Merlin (Puckeridge)

2^nd Scholar & Scottish (Thurlow)

3^rd Porter & Pontiff (Cottesmore)

Entered Couple:

1^st Pontiff & Poacher (Essex Farmers & Union)

2^nd Teamchase & Teacher (Thurlow)

3^rd Templer & Tenant (Thurlow)

Stallion Hound:

1^st Whopper (Cottesmore)

2^nd Monarch (Thurlow)

3^rd Barber (Cottesmore)

Results – Bitches

Unentered:

1^st Pollen (Cottesmore)

2^nd Fanfare (Essex Farmers & Union)

3^rd Blossum (Cottesmore)

Entered:

1^st Boastful (Suffolk)

2^nd Artful (Suffolk)

3^rd Goldfinch (Puckeridge)

Unentered Couple:

1^st Bounty & Bula (Thurlow)

2^nd Blossum & Bluebell (Cottesmore)

3^rd Mystery & Misteltoe (Puckeridge)

Entered Couple:

1^st Boastful & Bounty (Suffolk)

2^nd Backchat & Barrow (Cottesmore)

Brood Bitch:

1^st Bonnet (Thurlow)

2^nd Balmy (Cottesmore)

3^rd Fairmade (Thurlow)

Love them or hate them, hound parades are an essential part of a huntsman’s summer.

There is the work involved in finding suitable horses, out of the season, that aren’t going to jettison the staff upon unloading the hounds, plus the polishing and scrubbing required of hounds, horses and human — all for 30mins in the ring.

It could seem tiresome but for the tremendous roar that invariably greets hounds as they enter the arena and the positive PR.

It may be the only time some spectators ever see hounds and often the sole occasion that hunt supporters and farmers see hounds off the hunting field. It is therefore beholden on the huntsman to give a good display and show pride in the hunt.

Horse selection is crucial. My first major parade, during the millennium and riding a borrowed, very smart show hunter, was just before the prize-giving at Burghley horse trials — a highly charged cauldron where support for hunting is never in doubt.

Unfortunately my appearance bore more resemblance to an overseas entry in the Texan rodeo championship. Hounds ignored their rookie master’s impromptu display and performed their duties admirably.

All I could hear were the whooping cheers of the crowd in time with every buck. Mercifully (and miraculously) I didn’t hit the deck on my debut at a four-star event. Ever since I have tried not to let vanity inform my choice of horse.

At the two largest shows in the south-east, up to nine packs converge for the cavalcade of hounds. It is an impressive sight.

There has to be a lead huntsman, a role which Mark Bycroft of the Old Surrey Burstow and West Kent carries out with his customary humility and not a little showmanship.

Friendly hunt rivalries abound. I plant my most vocal hunt supporters around the ring to cheer our hounds, but Mark always seems to find a veritable opera chorus to greet him.

With Mark, one never quite knows what will happen next. Hedges appear for the gallop-round, a panto “fox” is holloaed away then “hunted” by 300 sprinting children, 120 couple of slightly confused hounds and dozens of bemused hunt staff, all madly encouraged on the tannoy by a running, breathless Mr Bycroft.

With the necessary frivolity over, like the front rank of a cavalry regiment, the huntsmen then remount and present the massed hounds to the show president. No wonder the hound parade is the most popular display.

An engaging commentator is essential. A dry hunt history delivered in stentorian tones is guaranteed to send the crowds running to the shops.

However, after introducing the masters and hunt staff, the commentator’s role is to give a flavour of the excitement of hunting, its place within the fabric of the countryside and what is required to safeguard its future.

The hound show season is now in full swing and the Festival of Hunting, featuring the 126th Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show took place on 16 July.

Over the past decade the Festival has become a mecca for the whole hunting world, combining the premier shows for foxhounds, old English foxhounds, harriers, beagles, basset hounds, bloodhounds and draghounds, with classes too for terriers, the ever-popular inter-hunt relay and showing classes.

Ringside criticism of even the most unbalanced hounds is mild compared to the brick-bats reserved for the judges. Are they too fast, too slow, indecisive or inconsistent?

Worse still, a judge could be slain with many of the above, as illustrated by Captain Ronnie Wallace’s comment to a young judge, now one of the finest in the country: “You took far too long to come to the wrong decision.”

What is certain is that at a show, the only place to judge a hound is in the ring.

It was a privilege to step into the hallowed Fitzwilliam enclosure at Peterborough for my first time as a judge. I hope we got it right.

For full Peterborough report and results, see next week’s issue of H&H, out 24 July.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The complexities of hound showing are explained in a new guide produced by the Countryside Alliance (CA).

The booklet has been produced to accompany the hound shows that run throughout the summer.

Titled, “Hounds and Hound Showing,” it gives an insight into what the judges are looking for during the showing process, has illustrations of foxhound and beagle conformation, and the different hound types.

Henrietta Rutgers, from the CA said: “We handed the first booklets out at the South of England Show where they proved very popular with the general public and hunts alike.”

Hunts wanting free copies should email henrietta-rutgers@countyside-alliance.org

See H&H’s exclusive guide to hound judging on H&H VIP 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

With the puppy show and hound show season in full swing, renowned hound breeder and respected judge Martin Scott gives some advice on what the judges are looking for on the flags

When attending a puppy show or a hound show, it can be fun to see if you can pick the winner, and first impressions are often correct. However, the judge will take time checking on other important conformation details to ensure his first opinion is right.

Movement, balance and stamina

A hound should be balanced, it must move well and be able to last, which means the judges are looking for one that has good pace and stamina points.

Pace is vital for the whole pack to ensure they can hunt with speed and a good shoulder allows them to turn when the trail turns like a fox. Stamina enables the pack to drive on all day.

A hound may look fine stationary, but it is vital to check that it can move correctly. The front and back must combine in a balanced way to ensure it can cover the ground effortlessly day in, day out.

It must not wear out too soon, for one attribute that is invaluable in a hound is longevity. Sometimes a hound may look balanced when stationary, but when it comes to move, it is two halves.

Back and loins

Having ensured that the pace points are good and that there is room for heart and lungs — by having depth of chest to enable maximum lung capacity rather than a barrel or narrow chest — then a strong back and loin will help with the stamina.

Good, strong hindlegs with powerful thighs and second thighs will allow the hindlegs to pass the forelegs easily. They will help drive the hound uphill and jump any obstacles along the way.

A hound that falls away behind the loin lacks power. Cow or sickle hocks are also conformation faults to look out for. A well let-down hock is better than a straight hock.

Shoulder

For a hound to have good pace, its shoulder must be angled back rather than being straight or upright. An upright shoulder will reduce the length of the stride, whereas the laid back shoulder will allow the humerus — the bone between the elbow and the bottom of the shoulder — to move forward straight. The longer the humerus, the better.

Stride

Looking from the side, it is possible to see a hound with a good stride. Watching a hound coming towards you, you can tell if the stride is straight and not a round arm action that is often caused by a barrel chest.

Feet

A hound with bad feet does not last as long as one with good feet. Bad feet do not put the weight evenly on each toe. These can be identified by uneven wear of the toenails — not easy to see from outside the ring.

Not only do poor feet denote a bad shoulder, but they reduce the lifespan. Like a tyre that is inflated incorrectly, a bad-shouldered hound will wear out the outer toes and won’t last.

Hounds with too much weight on their heels do not last, but worse are those that knuckle over at the knee, as they will not complete many seasons.

And finally…

Quality is that little extra that helps hounds achieve their aim and a good, well-set head is important.

Forthcoming hound shows 2014

➤ 26 June Wales and Border Counties at Builth Wells, Powys

➤ 29 June Blaston hound show, near Market Harborough, Leics

➤ 9 July Great Yorkshire Show at Harrogate, Yorks

➤ 16 July Festival of Hunting at Peterborough, Cambs

➤ 30 July Dunster hound show at Dunster, West Somerset

➤ 7 August West of England hound show at Honiton, Devon

➤ 9-10 August Lowther hound show, Lowther, Cumbria

➤ 15 August Rydal hound show near Ambleside, Cumbria

➤ 16 August Scottish Hound Show

This feature was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (12 June, 2014)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Hunting funerals are seldom morbid occasions. There is usually too much to celebrate and the local huntsman is almost certainly booked to blow “gone away”.

The fanfare of the chase, echoing around a lofty church or graveyard, can render even most the composed mourner asunder and send all hunters at grass within two miles into a lather.

Last week, the south-east hunting world paid its final respects to one of the most important figures of the past century.

The Southdown and Eridge hounds escorted their president Ian Askew on his final journey from the kennels to Ringmer Church where he had worshipped every Sunday. He died peacefully, just short of his 93rd birthday. A couple of nights previously, he was holding court at a hunt event.

It seemed as if the whole of Sussex and more besides had turned out in the rain. Locals brushed shoulders with royalty to honour a remarkable gentleman.

My old composition teacher at music college would have liked Mr Askew. There were no “wasted notes”, no filibustering; only wisdom, wit, gentle authority, affection, charm and, yes, a great deal of mischief. The care and friendship he showed towards those who aided his everyday affairs over the decades was truly profound.

To call Mr Askew a mere philanthropist does not reflect the sincerity of his gifts or support. Countless charities and good causes benefited from his generosity and attention.

However, since he joined his brother and Major Shand — the Duchess of Cornwall’s father — in the mastership in 1956, the fortune of the Southdown, and latterly Southdown and Eridge, hounds was his abiding passion. He bought the Southdown kennels over half a century ago and his nearby estate to ensure their future.

On 5 June at the South of England Foxhound Show, new kennels will be opened before judging commences by Mr Askew’s niece, Cleone Pengelley. It will be perhaps a final gift to hunting from the hound show patron, Ian Askew MC DL, though his legacy will live on for generations.

Ardingly won’t be the same without his slightly stooped figure working the crowd, doffing his hat every footstep to greet each and everybody.

Preparations for the puppy show and hound shows are now in full swing. Anybody who stands still long enough is liable to be scrubbed, mown or painted and the hounds are being put through their paces.

Young hounds don’t stand like statues on the flags and then gallop like stags by accident.

Granted, some huntsmen and kennel-huntsmen have such a natural bond with their hounds that they could hoodwink nearly any judge into thinking their platypus is a winner. But rest assured even the most gifted will have spent many hours throwing biscuits at home and getting their charges used to different situations.

Once in April, we practise little and relatively often. Larger kennels are fortunate to have a steady stream of masters and huntsmen coming to see their hounds over the summer, scouting for a stallion hound and to keep abreast with the progress of certain lines and outcrosses.

These events are ideal pre-show preps for hounds and staff alike, but can be lethal as they can constitute a second career for some connoisseurs (and their necessary, long suffering “drivers”).

Some kennels have pre-puppy shows and other occasions. Once hounds have found their feet, I find hyperactive children, extraneous noise and indoor schools to be useful practice tools.

Hound exercise is important, too, as it builds up muscle and fosters discipline, while acclimatising young hounds to different environments in the company of their elders.

Shows may be a summer distraction, but it tends only to be those who don’t try or take little interest in the breeding of their hounds who think they aren’t an important distraction.

“My hounds are bred to hunt, not to show,” comes the cry. And so they should be, but if hounds move with graceful power and have good conformation suited to your country, then they may hunt even better for longer.

True, quality hounds don’t have to show, but it can focus the mind. And if you win, your hunt will feel justly proud of their hounds.

Any young huntsman taking a new position on 1 May — the beginning of the new hunting year — will be fortunate indeed, should he inherit a list of good puppy walkers.

It would behove him to make certain that the seasoned walkers know how much their efforts are appreciated and to nurture with care the new ones.

Puppy walkers are second only to farmers as the lifeblood of the hunt. Their value is above the price of diamonds. A good start for young hounds is an essential ingredient to a happy working life and a good walk ensures a good start.

The kennels van has been clocking up the miles in recent weeks, delivering hound puppies to their various “walks”.

In days past, they were frequently delivered on horseback carried in hessian sacks slung either side of the saddle. An unenviable chore, usually delegated to the first whipper-in, whose task it was to hawk them around.

The lack of telephones made arrangements difficult — they just had to turn up and hope for a good reception. Sometimes the local ale house proved a good bet, in the hope of catching a farmer in a relaxed frame of mind before offloading a couple.

Modern antibiotics and inoculations mean the survival rate of whelps through to maturity is virtually 100%, barring accident. Consequently, the Belvoir send out around 20 couple to walk, all of which return to kennels in rude health.

Prior to the Great War, the hunt would send out over 100 couple to combat the high mortality rate, largely due to distemper. They were delivered with a bottle of “tonic” and a spoon. I assume the tradition of gifting puppy walkers with a silver teaspoon engraved with a hound’s name arose from this practice.

For the hoi polloi, not fortunate enough to be invited to the puppy show, many hunts hold an open day. The Belvoir are to hold theirs on the first day of June. This provides ample opportunity to access Belvoir Park in all its springtime splendour.

It is a good time to catch up with old friends in the environs of the historic kennel and hounds. Any dyed-in-the-wool foxhunter could not fail to be moved by a visit to the Belvoir kennel.

To quote Wordsworth: “Dull would he be of soul who could pass by a sight so touching in its majesty.”

There will also be much scope for being parted with some hard-earned moolah but, be assured, all in the best of causes.

Hot on the heels of the open day comes the puppy show and the kennels are currently receiving the annual assault from paint pot and brush.

Many kennel visits and hound parades loom on the horizon, as well as a number of judging engagements — always a pleasure no matter how often I get it wrong. It all goes to substantiate that adage “there is no peace for the wicked”.

When comes to exercise, I never let hounds down completely after the hunting season; within a few weeks we dust off the kennel bikes.

Following generations of old bone-shakers with no gears, missing spokes, wonky handlebars and non-existent brakes, two years ago I invested in a new bicycle. As good as it gets without an engine, it has an odometer that so far has registered just short of 900 miles to date and no puncture. Can I claim this as a record?

I read with a heavy heart recently that Jeremy Paxman is to retire from presenting Newsnight. Paxman — once tipped as a Countryside Alliance board member — never sat quite right with the BBC metro left. They in turn couldn’t quite bring themselves to give him the heave-ho because of his immense popularity.

I recall with pleasure that he put the last nail in the coffin of an early attempt at a hunting ban in 2002. With his characteristic disdain for the establishment, he challenged Kevin McNamara MP to tell the difference between a hare — illegal to hunt under the proposed act — and a rabbit (legal). Needless to say he could not.

If I had a good reason to pay the licence fee, he was probably it.

This article was first published in the 15 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Hounds are working animals, but they do like people and I like people to like them, too.

I am not a great believer in holding hounds up at a meet — aloof, like a battalion of soldiers — as long as they aren’t raiding the sausage rolls or, worse still, setting off to the first draw unaccompanied.

Most stay nearby and, having said hello to everyone, I know they will all return soon and stare me out in their eagerness to go.

However, 10 years ago when I hunted hounds on the Isle of Wight [before the Hunting Act was enforced], one Christmas morning this relaxed manner almost landed me in trouble.

All hands on deck, we decided to take hounds and horses on mounted exercise. After a couple of miles we took liquid fortification at the local beagles kennels, then it was off to see some friends. They were, I admit, rather surprised to see a pack of hounds on their drive early on Christmas morning.

While we enjoyed a festive dram, hounds were getting bored. With a thundering boom, Barmston announced he had found a fox in some bracken behind the garden. All the hounds flew to his beckon and were soon in full cry.

Shortly afterwards, my kennel-huntsman was cheering on 35 couple of hounds out of the gorse over open country.

It seemed a good idea for a few fields. In the distance, the rising sun sparkled on the sea on a beautiful, crisp morning. Then the “festive haze” cleared and reality hit, as we approached the boundary of a major shoot whose syndicate was anticipating fine sport on Boxing Day.

Hounds were stopped sharpish. We returned to kennels with hounds looking a little confused and a very relieved master. Now that would have taken some explaining to the shoot captain and keeper.

Remember the hunt staff

The hunting calendar reflects the Christmas celebration. The hunt carol service is always popular and plenty of hunting homes will host parties, some more planned than others.

It is a busy time for hunt staff, too. They maintain the establishment, probably hunt a few extra bye days and hopefully save time for a family Christmas.

Don’t forget the hunt staff Christmas box. If you are of a more traditional persuasion and prefer to give it in person rather than to the hunt secretary, please do remember any staff working back in the kennels and stables.

At the end of another year, recent events have reminded me that hunting possesses a deep sense of humanity and care that would be rarely found nor comprehended in any other walk of life.

The unspoken bond between hunting people, many of whom would otherwise have so little in common is profound. It is so misunderstood by our opponents who thought we would wane away.

At the Countryside Rally in 1997, Baroness Ann Mallalieu spoke movingly of hunting as “our music, it is our poetry. It is where many of our best friendships are made, it is our community.”

The treasurer’s necessary concerns aside, it isn’t a club, it isn’t a business and it’s more than a sport. Hunting is a passion, which is why tempers occasionally fray.

But it beats in us all, brings us together and to look after one another, young and old, in increasing numbers.

On the seasonal theme of new life, our first bitch has gone away to a selected stallion hound and several bitches are now booked to visit our doghounds. And so the cycle continues.

Wishing you all the best for 2014 and may you continue to enjoy fine sport.

Andrew

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A couple of hound puppies, who were taken from their puppy walker’s farm at Ramsden Heath, near Chelmsford on 19 November, are back where they belong.

The 14-week-old Essex Farmers and Union bitches, Vintage and Village, were discovered just 5min away from Debbie Friswell’s home.

“They turned up in the dead-end of a close in a local housing estate,” Ms Friswell told H&H.

“Someone has obviously decided to put them out, thankfully somewhere where they were not at risk of being run over.”

Both of the puppies appear to have been well looked after, but have lost some weight and no longer answer to their names.

Ms Friswell thanked the extensive media coverage for the puppies return.

“I think the press coverage made a real difference,” she said. “I also think the person that had took them would have found them very hard work!“

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

In memory of Woldsman 06 – a Yorkshire legend

From the moment he came into the world, Woldsman made his presence felt. He was a huge doghound whelp, intelligent and full of character, bossing his sisters Winter and Woodruff, and lording it over his brother Wisdom.

He did not have the time to indulge in the usual hound puppy behaviour of escaping because he was completely involved in chewing, digging and trashing the whelpers’ garden, home and poultry.

It was with great relief that he was sent to Mount Farm to be walked by Katie Jackson, a perfect environment for his further education. Here he was adopted by Tilly, a retired Fellhound who taught him manners, and he slept in front of the Aga with the ‘gang’ — an assortment of gundogs, terriers and visiting canines which further developed his social skills.

There he also learned to be steady with fowl (ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys), the pet pig and lambs, and household felines – an important experience which enabled him to concentrate resolutely when he was a first year entry showing exceptional talent.

During an early first season hunt, Woldsman was seen independently owning the line with his deep, mellow, resonant voice, leading the pack to victory.

This prowess continued to give some glorious days. After four seasons with the Middleton, Woldsman was drafted to the Sinnington where he continued there for another two seasons.

Adrian Dangar MFH finally retired him, offering him back in retirement as a very special hound, to his original home at Mount Farm. In his retirement Woldsman became a gentle, loving member and totally integrated into the household.

He went shooting, bush beating and on exercise with the hunters. He was house-trained as a pet dog, sleeping with the family, playing ball with the new puppies and sitting on command.

Woldsman had always been devoted to Katie which was totally mutual, and surely he had the kind of life which we would wish to all our favourites. He will be sadly missed.

A litter of hound puppies will soon be making their way across the Channel to embark on a career hunting in France.

The South Devon, which are twinned with the Rallye Amor Hunt in Brittany, agreed to breed a litter for master Mickael Perennez, to inject some added drive into his pack.

“The two hunts have good relations and visit each other annually,” explained South Devon huntsman Ian Pearse.

The Rallye Amor hunt red deer with the Anglo-Francais tricolore, which were bred by crossing French hounds with English foxhounds.

“They are much darker and bigger than our foxhounds and have much more volume, which sounds spectacular when hunting,” said Mr Pearse.

“But Mickael is interested as they have much more drive than a French hound — they push on and are quicker.”

So Elysee, an Anglo-Francais tricolore bitch, gifted to the South Devon by the Rallye in 2010, was put in whelp to South Devon Stilton.

“Stilton is a very good hound for hunting and is very dark in colour, so we felt he would be a perfect match,” said Mr Pearse.

Elysee produced 10 puppies — eight bitches and two dogs. They will be weaned shortly and sent to France next month.

“I’m sure Mickael will be pleased — they’ll grow into nice-looking French hounds, but with a different engine,” he said.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (14 March 2013)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

All hound puppies born in England and Wales will be microchipped from next year, ahead of what the Hunting Office believes is an imminent change in the law.

With the Welsh Assembly expected to make the microchipping of dogs compulsory – and Westminster likely to follow suit – the new chairman of the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA), Tim Easby, says hunts are getting “ahead of the game“.

“What is happening in Wales is really aimed at puppy farming, but of course there is a spin-off for everybody else,” said Mr Easby.

And earlier this year, environment minister Lord Taylor of Holbeach hinted that the government could make microchipping compulsory in England, to encourage “responsible dog ownership“.

Mr Easby said it was important that hunt kennels were ready for the change.

“All puppies born from 2013 onwards will be microchipped,” he said. “I am hoping to link up with a company that will provide the training [for hunt staff to microchip] and the equipment.”

With more than 2,500 foxhound puppies born each year – plus harriers and beagles – chipping the young entry will be a considerable task.

But Zetland huntsman David Jukes, who hosted a recent demonstration at his kennels (pictured above), said the procedure was “very simple”.

“It is just like giving a jab to a hound,” he added.

“It’s inevitable this will come in so it’s good that the old hunting world is getting there first.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (14 June 2012)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now