Question 1

Do you hunt live animals?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! Our purpose is to preserve the best traditions of hunting, whilst keeping in line with changing sentiments. Our enthusiastic hounds have adapted really well to following a scent laid in advance. If they catch a scent of a live animal we quickly head them off with our team of 'whippers in' and get them back onto the official laid trail.

Question 2

How is the trail laid?

Accepted Answer

One or two of our hunt team set off on horseback dragging a rope attached to a rag soaked in a smelly liquid (don't ask!) which the hounds are highly attracted to. They go on a route with the landowners consent. The route is chosen to be suitable for horses and riders of all abilities.

Question 3

Do I have to jump?

Accepted Answer

No one has to jump! We always have an easy route around any obstacle. There is no pressure either way. We want YOUR company and we want you to enjoy it. We try and find a few logs and ditches to pop over for those that enjoy it. Many peaople come to simply enjoy a 'Ride with hounds' and a friendly group.

Question 4

What time does it start?

Accepted Answer

Autumn trail hunting is early start meets. Times will be published on our whatsapp group. This can be anytime between 6AM to 10 AM. You will be warmly welcomed, whether it's your first time hunting or you are a regular with us! A bit of dutch courage (in the form of port) is always on hand. Upon return, tea, cakes  and usually some pretty awesome sausage rolls will be waiting for our happy, tired hunters!

Question 5

How much is it?

Accepted Answer

We request that payment is made in advance of the meet.
Payment can be made by bank transfer. The account details are on the price list.
We prefer bank transfer but if cash is your only method of payment please pay once you have arrived at the meet.
Please contact us to request  a copy of our new season's prices.

Question 6

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

If it is your first time with us please email dunstonharriersinfo@gmail.com and let us know. We can then add you to our whatsapp group for all the latest information about the meet.

Question 7

What do I wear?

Accepted Answer

Tweed jacket with shirt and tie or a checked or coloured stock. Black, blue or brown velvet hat, brown long boots or brown short boots with brown gaiters, pale breeches, dark gloves. Hairnet for longer hair. 
The most important thing is YOUR COMPANY! No one will be turned away as long as they are safely dressed, clean, tidy and preferably in muted colours.

Question 8

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

The meet locations are usually published a month in advance. We always endeavor to choose meet locations with plenty of space for trailers and lorries to park. The day before the meet we message you with the exact location using  postcode  and also 'What 3 Words'. If you are lucky enough to live near the meet, just hack over. Make sure you are on our whatsapp group for updates and details. Just email us on dunstonharriersinfo@gmail.com to be added to the whatsapp group.

Question 9

Are non-riders welcome?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!
Non-riders are an important part of our day. Friends ,family and local enthusiasts love to follow on foot, by bike, or car. They are also welcome to join us for a drink and bite to eat after the event. We encourage people to car share if possible to reduce congestion. Dogs on leads always please. There is a £5 cap (charge) per non-riding follower. Please pay before we set off.

Question 10

Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

YES!!
You and your horse MUST be fully insured in order to participate in any event organised by the Dunston Harriers. The Countryside Alliance and BHS have FREE insurance with their subscriptions. Please do not participate unless you have the correct, current insurance.

Question 11

Can I bring a friend?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We love to welcome new people!

Question 12

Are the hounds friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The hounds love being with people, especially children! All the hounds will have been raised in members' private homes once they are old enough to leave their mums. This is called puppy walking. It is up to the puppy walker to introduce the young hounds to all sorts of experiences, such as meeting other people and children; to see cats, chickens and other family pets. They are vaccinated and walked out on leads, learning basic manners, just like any other puppies. They return to the kennels at about 6-9 months of age and are gradually introduced to the pack by the kennel man who looks after all the hounds.

Question 13

Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

YES!!
You and your horse MUST be fully insured in order to participate in any event organised by the Dunston Harriers. The Countryside Alliance and BHS have affordable insurance options. Please do not participate unless you have the correct, current insurance. Countryside Alliance and The BHS offer FREE insurance with their subscription. 
countryside-alliance.org 
bhs.org.uk

Question 14

Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

YES!!
You and your horse MUST be fully insured in order to participate in any event organised by the Dunston Harriers. The Countryside Alliance and BHS have affordable insurance options. Please do not participate unless you have the correct, current insurance. Countryside Alliance and The BHS offer FREE insurance with their subscription. 
countryside-alliance.org 
bhs.org.uk

We accept no liability for ANY horse or participant. YOU AND YOUR HORSE MUST BE FULLY INSURED

Foster and Forager
May 2026

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Frequently asked questions

Do you hunt live animals?

How is the trail laid?

Do I have to jump?

What time does it start?

How much is it?

How do I book?

What do I wear?

How do I get there?

Are non-riders welcome?

Do I need insurance?

Can I bring a friend?

Are the hounds friendly?

Do I need insurance?

Do I need insurance?