And away we go.....
Opening meet on the 27th October 2024 was a glorious occasion. Kindly hosted by Mr & Mrs Brookes, we were greeted with a great assortment of food, drinks and a warm welcome from friends old and new. The day was led by Lottie and what a day it was! Galloping and jumping hedges, doing what we do best!
The 3rd November 2024 saw the introduction of a new meet on the Farmers Bloodhounds Calendar in Arlescote Warwickshire. The meet was led by our field masters Emma Spencer and Ade Ward. It must be said that the 1st line of this meet was akin to watching a team chase and was a great spectator sport. Ade led across some serious hedges at great speed, the whoops and hollers could be heard across the valley! Lines 2&3 were led by Emma, yet more challenging hedges and some lovely long stretches to gallop across. Seeing the field return for tea with huge smiles makes all of the hard work worthwhile.
The Farmers Bloodhounds is made up of an extraordinary team. To arrange a meet, the work begins months in advance. The senior master & field masters work closely with the hosts and land owners to meticulously plan the best route. Closer to the meet date many hours are spent walking the route and then preparing it. Hedges are trimmed and jumps are prepared. The week before, everything is rechecked and the team ride the route on horses or quad bikes, this time the huntsman attends and ensures that the hounds can cover the terrain. On the day our runners are taken around the route to make sure they know exactly where the hounds need to be led. No scent is laid, the hounds follow only human scent.
In the days after the meet, the team go back out repairing anything that has been damaged on the day. Our field masters visit the land owners and make sure that they are happy with how we have returned the land.
On the day you will often see people on the quads filming or in riding kit. Our photographer is taken to the best vantage points and we have riders who will make sure that you are ok if you take a tumble, they are excellent riders who then repatriate your horse.
Last but not least the smiley face who greets you is Jo, Jo manages the entries on the day, checking disclaimers and ensuring that everyone is booked in.
When you return for tea the cakes and food is often prepared by wonderful volunteers.
And I havent even mentioned the administration team, thank you letters and cards are sent out to landowners & hosts each week.
What an effort hey! On the day they are as excited as the riders to be out with the hounds and following the field masters, having great fun. Give them a smile and a wave when you see them because they are truly amazing.
Emma
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