Trail hunting

Facts and figures

  • £100 million

    Contribution to rural economies from BHSA hunts.

  • More than 500 jobs

    Direct employment with hunts.

  • Over 10,000 Hounds

    Enable us to sustain the momentum and build the campaign to overturn the ban on trail hunting.

  • Over 8,000 Horses

    Over 6,000 horses kept solely for hunting and even more owned directly by hunts.

  • Up to £86 million

    Cost of maintaining hunting-only horses.

  • £6.1 million

    Hunt-related events generate substantial additional economic activity.

£11.3 Million

Direct hunt spending into rural community.

£2,820,000 Building repairs and maintenance

£1,770,000 Transport and fuel

£1,170,000 Feed and bedding

£660,000 Tack and equipment

£490,000 Farriery

£830,000 Horse and Hound veterinary costs

£2,410,000 Social events

£1,140,000 Fallen stock waste disposal

Hunts have collectively raised more than £400,000 for charities and good causes over the past year.

National and local medical charities

Air Ambulance Charities

Hospices and hospitals

Veterans’ organisations

Rural and farming support charities

Youth, mental health and community projects

A wide range of local churches, schools and village funds

Support for over 120

Charities and causes

Youth and Education School visits to kennels, countryside days, safety rides, Pony Club support, and access to private land for young and novice riders.

Mental Health and Tackling Isolation For many older, isolated, or lonely people in rural areas, hunt activities are a lifeline. Younger people benefit too, gaining purpose, confidence, and social connection where rural youth provision is limited.

Farmer Support Regular contact with farmers and landowners, help with casualty animals, and "thank you" events that strengthen goodwill and cohesion across rural communities.

Social Infrastructure Fun rides, hunt suppers, skittles leagues, dances, coffee mornings, dog shows, quizzes, BBQs, and open days that keep village halls and rural pubs thriving, particularly through winter.

Broader Community Events Support for fetes, fairs, Young Farmers, local fundraising, and in some cases, low-cost housing for young local families.

Wider community and

social contribution