Maggie Pearlstine, like her brother and sister, was put on a horse at the age of three.  Her father enjoyed hunting from his father’s farm and hoped that all his children would take after him and be keen riders.  Only Maggie got the gene.

A former master of the Farmers’ Bloodhounds in the Cotswolds, she developed a passion for watching hounds work and listening to the rich music of Bloodhounds in full cry.  Hoping to hunt Bloodhounds in and around her home in the Peak Park, at the Millennium she persuaded the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, Sir Andrew Buchanan, Edward Hammond and Rowan Naylor to help her form the Four Shires.  She and the other masters are indebted to the farmers and landowners who generously allow hounds to hunt over their land.  Her hope is that the Four Shires will enable a wide range of local people – both in the mounted field and as followers – to enjoy this exiting country sport.  

Tel: 01629 640809

Tel: 01335 361328

Simon Carr enjoyed crossing the country, sampling various packs.  But then he discovered the Four Shires. He quickly appreciated that Hunt’s country combined all the best aspects of hunting in England: old turf, rolling hills, inviting hedges, stone walls and moorland panoramas.  And he found that Bloodhounds’ diligence offered the chance of viewing superb hound work. Lovers of the countryside, he and his wife, Jen, are enthusiastic followers.  He looks forward to the pack reverting to being homebred. 

After his father’s death Simon took over his farm.  As a master, he has helped administer the Hunt, represented it at meetings of the Masters of Draghounds and Bloodhounds Association and ensured that the Four Shires appeals to a large section of the community.  His clear-headed logical approach and unstinting support have been invaluable.

Tel: 01246 853 643

Mick Mottershaw is a Master and also leads the front field. A staunch supporter of the Four Shires Bloodhounds, he followed his family, wife Liza and daughters Abigail and Rebecca, on foot before working as the waller/fencer/quad man for four and a half seasons. He has progressed through the Hunt working with the Mastership and has arranged many meets before coming field master last season.

Derbyshire born, Mick has always been involved with horses and the countryside – hunting, shooting and farming – he studied at Broomfield Agricultural College a few years after leaving school.

He brings with him youthful enthusiasm for our sport and has a burning desire to help to take the Hunt forward into our second decade. His knowledge of our registered country and agriculture will be invaluable to us during his mastership.

At the Millennium, the then Duchess of Devonshire supported the Four Shires application to join the Masters of Draghounds and Bloodhounds Association, the recognised affiliate of the MFHA and agreed to be the President of the new hunt.  A follower of country sports, she has always had a particular soft spot for these charming hounds.

In the 1920s her father, Lord Redesdale, liked to hunt his daughters – the Mitford girls – round the estate with his pack of Bloodhounds. The youngest child, the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, was regarded as too small to be a quarry.  But she has always been an enthusiastic follower of the sport.  As President of the Four Shires Bloodhounds, she is keen that young enthusiasts are able to sample a day’s hunting with these lovely, loose-skinned, lolloping hounds. The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, the Duke and Duchess generously host the Four Shires’ meets at Chatsworth.

Tel: 01335 370250

Paul Harrison has played a pivotal role in laying on meets and ensuring that the days are carefully planned and agreed with the local farmers and landowners.  

When Paul and his wife, Jacky, moved to New House Farm in 2003, they generously invited to the Four Shires to hold hunter trials, farmers’ lunches and an excellent Opening Meet in Hulland Ward.  Jacky also organised the very successful Hunt Ball and helps to make the meets go smoothly. 

On hunting days, Paul often takes the second field of those mounted followers who do not want to jump. Thanks to a thriving second field, the Four Shires can offer thrilling days to a range of riders. His unstinting contribution to the Hunt has been crucial to its success.

A life-long sportsman, Sir Andrew has always particularly enjoyed country sports.  His grandfather was Chairman of the Pytchley and he agreed to support the Hunt’s creation and become the Four Shires’ founding Chairman.

Since the 18th century, Sir Andrew’s family has farmed at Hodsock Priory, now famous for it magnificent early spring snowdrops.  In 1966 the estate passed to Sir Andrew who moved to Hodsock Priory with his wife, Belinda and the whole estate is run in an environmentally friendly way.  In addition to bringing up their four children and running the farm and estate, they have always been active volunteers involved in many aspects of local and regional community life.  In 1991 Sir Andrew was appointed Lord Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire which means he is the Queen's personal representative for the County.

Hodsock contains one of the best snowdrop collections and displays in the country as well as hosting weddings.  The five acres of formal gardens containing snowdrops and other fragrant flowering winter borders are open around five weeks during February and early March, and attract visitors from all over the world. www.snowdrops.co.uk.

Sir Andrew and Lady Buchanan host a hound exercise in the autumn.  It is a perfect day for newcomers and novices.