BELVOIR 14 October
@cfaustenl23
Stonesby, Leics
THE Belvoir doghounds have an aristocratic confidence that compliments their ducal heritage. You only have to glance into their gentle yet deep eyes at a meet to realise that you are their guests. All hounds are important, but through their own history and continued success, the Belvoir hounds can be considered “first among equals.”
Rallywood 1853 lay the foundation for their provenance over the past three centuries and significance to the foxhound world. Through periods of controversy and triumph they've underpinned hunting, and such an establishment attracts the finest hunt staff and officers.
In some hunts, compared to their fairer siblings, the doghounds, particularly when hunted as a separate pack, can be patronised with faint praise. They're low-scenting (tendency to dwell) and diligent (ponderous), with great voice (too much noise, not enough speed), stamina (slow) and strength (cumbersome).
Of course, such sentiments miss the point, particularly at the Belvoir. Notwithstanding their brilliant sisters it is often this venatic powerhouse, the doghounds, who produce the epic, exceptionally long hunts.
