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Hound trailing is a race across open countryside in which the hounds (hunting dogs) follow a scent that has been artificially laid down. Hound Trailing is not a blood sport. Hounds are bet on, by the spectators as to the winner.
Popularity
The season is from the 1st of April until the end of October. Most traditional country shows in the feature a hound trail. Hound trailing is an ideal spectator sport as there is plenty for the spectator to see as well as get involved in,
Location
Ancient Cumbrian sport reaching back over 200 years. Hound trailing is competed widely over open moorland, fells and fields, this activity is popular right across the Dales. Meets are held on most evenings and on Saturdays throughout the season.
Age
There is no age restriction with hound trailing, it is often a family pastime, with all members of the family actively involved, both with the racing the breeding as well as the general care and training of the hound.
Ability
All people running hounds must be members of the Hound Trailing association, and their hounds must be registered, The hounds must be properly bred trail hounds and earmarked as puppies so they can be identified.
Description
To start a trail two trail markers go to the middle of the proposed course, from where they lay a scent of paraffin mixed with oil of aniseed, one lays the trail back to the start, the other to the finnish line. The hounds are lined up at the start point on leashes. on the starters word the leashes are slipped and it is a race to the finish line, first past the line being declared winner. There are normally races for varying ages of hound as well as different distance of race.
Dedication
As with all activities involving animals every day dedication is essential, along with the training of puppies. during the competition season it can become a full time obsession, with meets most evenings of the week, some hounds if kept free from injury race up to three times a week. fittness must be maintained as races can be up to eight miles in length.
Closely
Related Activities
Activities closely related are hunting with dogs, greyhound and whippet racing and coursing.
Further
Reading
Hound Trailing by John Coughlan A history of the sport in Cumbria.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
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Legs
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Sight
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Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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