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Tradition
Community
Conservation
Hunting
Hunting is the primary purpose of Tanheath Hounds. Riding to hounds is our passion, and each season is filled with a schedule of hunts that encompasses two seasons; the informal "cubbing season" that occurs in the early fall, and the "formal season" that usually begins at the start of October and runs into December.
Onlookers watch and listen to the Huntsman's horn calls as the fields of riders merge in the joint hunt with Norfolk, November 2, 2025.
The Blessing of the Hounds
October 26, 2025
Each year, the formal hunt season officially begins with the Blessing of the Houndds. This year, the Blessing Hunt was held at the Townsend property in Pomfret, Ct. The excitement was palpable as riders mounted up, hounds were released, and everyone gathered as the minister offered a blessing to riders, horses, hounds and attendees. Below are just a few of the many photographs by David Brennan Photography that beautifully captured the essence of the tradition and some of the special moments of the day.
Watch the video
below the photo gallery for a more complete experience of the day's events.
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Attire & Tack
Attire is differerent for the cubbing and formal seasons.
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Cubbing Season
Tan breeches, polo shirt, black tall boots, black riding helmet.
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Formal Season
Riders: Tan breeches, white show shirt, white stock tie with pin, black dress boots, black riding helmet.
Horses: Must be clean and braided (no shavings in tail). Horses who tend to kick should have a red ribbon tied at the top of their tail to caution other riders.
Tack: Should be clean and saddle pad should be white.
​Formal Season
Attire​
​Cubbing Season
Attire​
Riders hack out as they return from the hunt at Whittier Farms while onlookers get out of their vehicles to watch them cross the road with a safety detail of local police officers.
Second flight descends a hill during the Whittier Farms hunt, led by Master Darcy Johnson.
The Huntsman can be seen with his hound pack, leading a hunt at Ayer Mountain with the assistance of the Whipper-In and Master of Hounds..