A Brief History
The Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds were formed in 1990; their country ranges over parts of Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire. There are now twelve packs of registered bloodhounds within the United Kingdom. Bill Kear, Senior Master and Huntsman, kennels the hounds at his home in Partridge Lane, Newdigate. There are two other joint masters – Tony Watts and Jane Milan. When the pack was formed there were four and a half couple of hounds drafted from the Coakham Bloodhounds, which was founded by the late Neil Wates. There are now 12 couple of hounds in kennels.
The hunting season runs from September until the end of March and for those who do not know, these hounds hunt the “clean boot”, this means that no artificial scent is used; they hunt the natural scent of man only.
The hounds themselves are Bloodhound cross Dumfriesshire Foxhounds, which gives them their speed and soundness while retaining the marvellous scenting ability of the Bloodhound. Some also have Otter Hound blood, which gives them their broken coat and splendid voice.
One litter of puppies is bred every year to ensure continuity and to replace any hounds that may be retiring. On average a hound will hunt for six to seven seasons and in most cases homes can be found for the retiring hounds. These hounds are very even natured and friendly. Once old enough the puppies are sent out in couples to be “puppy walked” for a few months before returning to the kennels. During the summer months the young unentered hounds are introduced to the pack and quietly exercised.
The young entry will usually be hunting by eighteen months of age and their enthusiasm adds life to the pack. There is natural hierarchy within the pack and any wayward youngsters are kept in line by the older of more established hounds. A diet of dried complete dog food is fed daily, fasting on only the day before hunting.
The pack can be seen regularly in the village on exercise, a minimum of one hours work daily is required to ensure fitness of the hounds. The hunt appreciates the consideration shown by the other road users and in turn endeavours to avoid causing any unnecessary inconvenience.
Monday is a rest day for the hound after the previous day's hunting, they are allowed to stretch and loll around in the field. Every Sunday during September is hound exercise day and the pack is taken out for extended hacks to prepare for the opening meet, mounted followers are always very welcome.
When the pack are fit and ready to hunt all that is required are “The Quarry”, this involves Adrian Sole and Mike Borer who are the regular runners for the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds. There are several other enthusiasts who also run for the hunt. The hounds love water and wherever possible water features somewhere in the hunting day.
The Quarry are responsible for running a previously agreed route, this is usually planned the day before. The huntsman and runners will walk the country sometimes as much as ten to fifteen miles. Permission is obtained from very supportive and generous landowners to cross their land. A pub lunch is usually in order to restoke the engines in preparation for the next day hunting.
With the hunt organised rider and horses are prepared for the day. The meet is at 12:30pm every Sunday either at the pub or a lawn meet by kind invitation of a landowner. A glass of Whisky Mac or Port soon warms the coldest of feet! The Quarry are given 20 minutes grace before the hounds are laid on the scent. This is usually on the edge of a field or just inside a gateway.
The hounds are keen and in tremendous voice, behind, the mounted field prepare themselves for a good gallop and hopefully plenty of jumping. Depending on the country there are three or for hunts of approximately 3 to 5 miles each, crossing country comprising of timber and natural hedges. When the hounds find the Quarry they are rewarded with biscuits, there is a 20 minute check at the end of each hunt for the Quarry to run the next hunt and for hounds and horses to recover.
After a day hunting any rail damage is reported to the Master who ensure it is promptly repaired. The hounds and horses are boxed are made comfortable and hungry riders consume tea in a barn or in someone’s kitchen. The Quarry are always given priority and consume gallons of tea!
Our aim is to provide the mounted followers with the traditional thrill of riding across natural country behind a driving pack of hounds, to give our foot followers corresponding excitement and at all times to treat our farming hosts with the consideration and courtesy their generosity deserves.
Due to Bill's accident, at present, the hounds are being hunted by Camilla Kear (Bills daughter). At eighteen, she is very possibly the youngest person to have hunted hounds in the UK.
For further information on the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds and hunting appointments, please contact Jane Milan (Hunt Secretary and Joint Master) on 01306 611 269.
email: Master Jane Milan lowbridge.farm@btopenworld.com
