Northern Area
Highmoor North Bloodhounds
“The Highmoor North Bloodhounds promotes and pursues the sport of hunting a human quarry with a pack of bloodhounds bred and trained specifically for this purpose. Our fundamental ethic is to provide pleasure and a sporting experience and challenge for horses, hounds and humans without the pursuit or killing of wild animals.
Riding to bloodhounds is a recognised equestrian/hound sport in its own right and is distinct in character from other forms of hunting. Novice rider or professional, young or old, the traditional sport of riding to bloodhounds is a great way to spend time with your horse. There will be the opportunity to jump natural obstacles like hedges and ditches, hunt jumps or to follow a non-jumping route if you prefer.
The area of land where the HNB operates has no fixed boundary. However, meets are predominantly organised north of the River Tees and A66 in North Yorkshire and County Durham. Beautiful, varied countryside, a warm welcome and an exciting day all ensure that a day out with the Highmoor North Bloodhounds is one that you will remember and want to experience again."
FAQ
When do you hunt?
Autumn Hound Exercise between September and October, usually Sundays at 10.30am
Winter Hunting between November and February, usually Sundays at 12pm (please check meet card)
What do the hounds hunt?
The hounds hunt a human quarry (runner) who is given a 15-45 minute head start before the hounds are taken by the huntsman to hunt and “catch” the runner. It’s as straightforward as that: bloodhounds hunt humans.
So, the hounds don’t even hunt a trail which has been laid by a rider or a runner?
We take great pride in the fact that our hounds are bred and trained to hunt the natural scent of a human quarry (runner). We do not use any chemicals or dead animals to lay a trail. The hounds are literally hunting humans ... this is what makes them so special and unique.
Surely if an animal such as a fox jumped up in front of the hounds they would hunt it?
A great deal of time and effort has been put into breeding and training our hounds to hunt only humans. Whilst this is something that bloodhounds are instinctively inclined towards they still need managing well to ensure that they can do the job they have been bred for. After all, a hound which is enabled to do the one thing in life it loves the most is a happy hound and we love the fact that our hounds are happy and healthy. It would be wrong and unfair of us to put hounds in a position which compromised their training and natural inclinations. This is why we always plan where the quarry will run, where the hounds will hunt and never send them unaccompanied into a wood to look for their quarry. Since the Highmoor started in 2012 it has held over 120 meets and not once have the hounds encountered a fox.
Do I have to jump?
Definiteley NOT. We always do our best to ensure that there are non jumping options throughout each day. You will be able to find out more information and whether a meet is suitable for you by contacting us on: highmoornorthbloodhounds@gmail.com.
What do I need to do if I'd like to ride with the Highmoor North Bloodhounds?
If you would like to attend an advertised meet you can usually just turn up on the day unless it is an invitation only meet.
You can contact the northern country master (Steve Birkbeck) by emailing highmoornorthbloodhounds@Gmail.com
If you have not hunted with us before it is a good idea to contact us to make sure the day you would like to attend will be suitable. When yo arrive at the meet make yourself known to the secretary or master and let them know it's your first time so they can try and make your day as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Northern Area Meet Card 2019
Nov 3rd - Walworth, Darlington
Nov 10th - Wynyard Hall remembrance service & ride (ticket only)
Nov 17th - Cropton
Dec 1st - Silton
Dec 22nd - Xmas meet at Wynyard (ticket only)
Dec 29th - Hesleden
If you would like further information then please see the Highmoor North Bloodhounds Facebook page:
