Hunting with Bloodhounds & The Cranwell Bloodhounds

The Cranwell Bloodhounds were formed in 1992 by Joint Masters the late Philip Broughton and his wife Wendy to hunt the ‘clean boot’ that is, the natural scent of man, in this case, a cross country runner.
The quarry is given about 20-minute head start before each hunt, which is referred to as a line, no trail is put down or dragged, no artificial scent used, just the pure natural smell of the cross country runner.
A private pack, the Cranwell Bloodhounds, enjoy about twenty days of hunting each season, normally meeting around midday on a Sunday. After the first two lines, they enjoy the hospitality of the Hunt’s Masters, before continuing, with a late afternoon finish.
A meet can attract over 40 on horseback and a similar number of car followers, confirming the Cranwell Bloodhounds as the popular, warm, and welcoming hunt for which it has become known.
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To learn more about Hunting with Bloodhounds - www.mdbassociation.com
To learn more about The Cranwell Bloodhounds - cranwellbloodhounds.co.uk
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To view more galleries and my photography of The Cranwell Bloodhounds - mlimages.co.uk/the-cranwell-b...
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To learn more about the book 'Cranwell Bloodhounds'
www.thegreatbritishbookshop.c...
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[@paulgarrod4617]

Hunted with the Cranwell Bloodhounds in the early days and really enjoyed it. Sad to hear about Phils death. He was a great character. Wishing them all the best for the future from Kenya.

[@robinweyell6278]

So I like Matt’s work ... he’s relaxed and natural and seems to care about the topic and the people. Beautifully filmed as well.

[@rosemaryriley268]

hunted with the cranwell since they started and truly still love it ,great friendly bunch of people!!

[@juliegeorge-ainscough6164]

Excellent insight into this wonderful sport, am totally sold!

[@nickwilliams3677]

Great people very friendly and welcoming come and enjoy.

[@ntinamorris]

Lovely british bloodhounds

[@justinneill5003]

Ben’s comment “I ride to hunt, not hunt to ride” was interesting, because I suspect that is the case with many hunt staff and followers who haven’t seen an indoor school for years if ever, and yet when you see them in action they appear to be the most confident, competent and relaxed riders in the field. That just shows that the hunting field is not just a great training ground for horses, it does the same for riders too. I’m a firm believer that once you have mastered the basics, there is no substitute for just getting out there and putting miles on the clock, coping with all sorts of challenging situations and circumstances.

[@loenigma69]

How do I join this illustrious society and culture? I'm in the area, own a purebred bloodhound, and have the financial means.

[@Nil-tz6gy]

I just need to know how they teach the hounds to stick to one scent and not run away - Everyone here says it's not possible to have an off-leash hound

[@justinneill5003]

Why don’t we hear more about this? I hung up my hunting boots years ago when I became aware of some of what actually goes on behind the scenes, not only with foxhunting but with drag hunting which, let’s be honest, is very often a “cover” for foxhunting. It seems to me that following the bloodhounds, hunting the “clean boot,” is better than either in just about every way unless the kill is what does it for you. The hounds are still following a natural scent, you are chasing a “quarry” which chooses its track with the objective of not only eluding hounds but also to ensure the best experience for the mounted field, rather than for pure survival which (even if you disregard the ethical aspect) can take you to impossible and impenetrable country, involve long periods of standing around, and can culminate in the unedifying and demeaning spectacle of digging out the fox which goes to ground or sending in the terriers. Instead what you get is a free-running ride across horse-friendly country, with options for every level at every obstacle, and the freedom to enjoy it all without hindrance and with a clear conscience. The fact that the bloodhound itself (or St Huberts hound, for the purists!) is such a favourite of mine, wonderful creature oozing with character, is the icing on the cake. I only wish there was a pack closer to where I live, rather than have to box the horse for miles. But I suspect this form of hunting will only grow in popularity and more and more hunts will be established in the coming years.

[@benstone4667]

You should do this for a fox hound pack

[@COREKhaos]

Amazing laugh just a shame fox hunting was outlawed

[@g-max1808]

Me vs these hunters and their dogs.