At a trial, a ‘’runner’ leaves an item of clothing or similar, on a white flag, and then walks a predetermined route using a map, and then at the allocated time, the hound is set off to hunt the runner.
The hound is followed by a judge who has a map of the line taken by the runner.

Before entering the trial the hound must gain a working permit, and this is a two part procedure which can also include a livestock test. Those with the stock test are then able to hunt their hounds free, but those with just the basic hunting test must hunt their hound leashed.

(Note that to compete at Senior stake level, a hound must have a stock test although its at the handlers discretion whether they hunt free or leashed in the trials)