By the kind invitation of Martin Hulme and Brett Wilson

Hound Exercises are a great way to start building horses' (and riders'!) fitness. These exercises are suitable for both novices and experienced riders and, as always, there is a second fieldmaster for those who want a gentler route. Jumping is optional. This exercise will commence at 12 noon, so please be prompt. Adult Members £20 (non-members £25). Under-18s Members £10 (under-18s non-members £15). Visitors are very welcome but you need to book, as numbers are strictly limited.

To book online, click here to go to the shop. Otherwise please contact Helen Best, the Bookings Secretary, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or text 07969 174647. The Hunt needs to know how many people to expect as on most days the number allowed out is limited. If you have booked and cannot attend, do please let Helen Best know, so that another rider can enjoy the day. Riders should wear ties and tweeds and look smart (no earrings please), but there is no need to plait horses. Venues can be changed at short notice, so a mobile contact number is needed.

Hound Exercises are a great way to start building horses' (and riders'!) fitness. These exercises are suitable for both novices and experienced riders and, as always, there is a second fieldmaster for those requiring a gentler route. Jumping is optional. 

Sunday 12th September: Pipehill Farm, Lichfield WS13 8JT at 12.00 (see above)

Sunday 19th September: Hartington Wakes Show - exercise will commence following the Hounds Parade, nearby postcode is DE4 2PH. Knee boots are advisable for those who will be jumping.

Sunday 26th September: Venue TBA soon at 12.00

The cost for each exercise from 29th August to 29th September is: Adult Members £20 (non-members £25). Under-18s Members £10 (under-18s non-members £15).

You can book and pay online for all of these meets via the shop (click here) or by emailing our Bookings Secretary, Helen Best, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or text her on 07969 174647. Please make sure that you provide a contact number as venues can change.

Please make a note of these dates in your diary and come along and support your hunt:

Sunday 3rd October – First Introductory Meet, Nether Hall, Hathersage S32 1BG 12 noon – and every Sunday until the Opening Meet

Wednesday 6th October - Brailsford Ploughing Match 

Sunday 7th November – OPENING MEET, New House Farms, Hulland Ward DE6 3FN 12 noon

Friday 25th February – Hunt Ball, Hassop Hall

 Will all members interested in participating in inter-hunt relay team competitions contact Mick Mottershaw, MBH. 

Mick will be organising the teams for the Festival of Hunting at Peterborough on 21st July, but there are several other shows looking for teams to enter their relay competitions.  If you would like to captain and co-ordinate a team, do let Mick know M: 07831 373022  email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This is a lovely introductory day, setting off from Calton Lees Car Park at 12pm, crossing parts of the Chatsworth Park and Estate that are not normally open to the general public. As always, there will be a second field master for those wanting a gentler day.  For this meet, booking and pre payment is mandatory. Please note this a non refundable and non transferable meet (unless The Four Shires Bloodhounds cancel the event). You can book online via the Four Shires Shop, by clicking here. Click here to download a booking form.

BOOKING: Click here to book online or please contact our bookings secretary (Helen Best). Email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or TEXT: 07969 174647 . If you have any questions about the day, please ring and ask. If you are able to book online, this makes things simpler for those collecting the cap. If you have to cancel, the cap can be transferred to another meet.

The Hunt needs to know how many people to expect, as most days the number allowed out in the mounted field is strictly limited.

Venues can be changed at short notice, so always check the website. Also please make sure you supply a mobile telephone number, so you can be texted about any last minute changes or parking instructions. Please park considerately. When un-boxing please park sensibly, you should make sure that you are not blocking a lane or driveway. Take care not to park on a manicured verge or do anything that may cause congestion or inconvenience to other road users.

Arrive at the meet a little before the time that is stated on the meet card. On arrival at the meet as a matter of courtesy say "good morning" to the Huntsman and Whippers-in and the Masters. Find Helen Best, the Bookings secretary, who is responsible for collecting the cap (your contribution towards the Hunt's cost) or the cap collector on the day and pay them. In return you will get a meet ribbon to put on your horse. If you have paid in advance, you still have to see the cap collector and get a meet ribbon.

If you recognise them thank the farmer or landowner who is hosting the meet and thank the person who gives the 'stirrup cup'’. The Four Shires prides itself on being a welcoming hunt. So the more people you talk to at the meet, the friendlier the atmosphere that is created. In particular, remember to greet people on foot and make those who are out for the first time feel welcome.

Always make sure that should you be in close proximity to hounds that you face your horse towards them. Do not allow your horse to tread on or kick a hound. If your horse does break this golden rule you should apologise to the Huntsman and indicate which hound was struck, so that she can deal with it if necessary. If a veterinary bill results from the injury, you are obliged to pay the cost.