The South Devon Hunt’s country lies entirely within South Devon and incorporates the eastern quarter of Dartmoor National Park.
Each registered hunt has a country, the territory within which it is licenced to operate by its governing body, in our case the Masters of Foxhounds Association. A hunt can only operate in another hunt’s country by invitation. Some hunts breed their hounds or select their horses to suit the terrain within their country.
The South Devon Hunt’s country lies entirely within South Devon and incorporates the eastern quarter of Dartmoor National Park. It is bounded by the River Dart between Dartmouth and Dartmeet, and the East Dart River between Dartmeet and Postbridge to the west, the B3212 between Postbridge and Exeter to the north, the River Exe and Exe Estuary to the east, and the English Channel to the south. Our neighbours are the Dart Vale, South Pool and Modbury Harriers to our southwest, the Dartmoor Hunt to our west, the Spooner’s and West Dartmoor Hunt to our northwest, the Mid Devon Hunt to our north, the Silverton Hunt to our northeast, and the East Devon Hunt to our east.
Our country is subdivided into its moorland and in-country areas. Our moorland country consists of small fields and lanes between more open expanses of high moor. This country generally provides excellent viewing of hounds working, be that from horseback, on foot or in a car. There is very little jumping on the moor. A half-bred horse is considered most suitable, though most Thoroughbreds also cope well. The in-country is mainly grassland and lies predominantly south of the A38 between the Rivers Dart and Exe. Consisting of many small fields bounded by traditional Devon hedge banks, this is considered one of the prettiest parts of Devon.