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.

Our first hound exercise was an great start to the season. Our Chairman, Sir Andrew Buchanan and Lady Buchanan, made us very welcome. And a large number of friends and neighbours came to see us off. A good field enjoyed watching hounds cover over eight miles. Mick Mottershaw, MBH, led the front field and Robert Copley looked after the second field. Our kennel-huntsman, Heidi Critchlow, assisted by her husband, Roy, and Ruth Fisher, brought out 13 and half couple, including two couple of new entry puppies. These pups were born in May last year. They accounted themselves well and are a credit to the training regime, Heidi has established at kennels. Our Hon Secretary and Bookings Secretary, Helen Best, treated the field to wonderful honey glazed Peak Pig sausages.

Photos kindly provided by Caroline Yeats Brown. Further photos are available in the gallery.

After a deluge in the morning, the sun came out and we enjoyed a dry exercise. Our kennel-huntsman, Heidi Critchlow brought out thirteen and a half couple, including two couple of new entry puppies, but we soon down to thirteen couple. The youngest by three weeks was overwhelmed by the sight of a herd of cattle and returned to kennels. Last season Bandit was the same at Hodsock and a year on – and patient coaxing – and now she is always at the front. Heidi was assisted by her husband, Roy, and Ruth Fisher. The fields led by Mick Mottershaw and Robert Copley enjoyed the magnificent countryside. We are grateful to Helen and Andy Best for the stirrup cup and the Lounds, Motts, and Stones for tea.

Photos kindly provided by Wayne Hayhock. If you would like further information, please contact Wayne at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Further photos are now available to view in our gallery.

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.

We are looking to add members to the quad support team. You need to be strong, have a driving licence and be able to remember a route. (It is a great way to share your sport with your partner.) To find out more ring Mick Mottershaw, MBH. M: 07831 373022.

A campaign group called Peak Horsepower is being set up to put pressure on the Peak District National Park Authority and Derbyshire County Council to extend and improve the Peak District bridleway network. The next meeting is being held on Monday 13th September at 7.30pm at Monyash Village Hall. All riders are welcome and this meeting will formally set up the organisation, elect officers and agree the campaign's aims and next steps.

Please come and show your support to improving the bridleways in the Peak District.

Further information: Wendy Neilson (acting Chair) - 01629 813971/07816754011 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or Patricia Stubbs (acting Publicity Officer) - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For those hunt members attending, please can you take along copies of our flyer for our upcoming exercises and introductory meets.

It is time for members to renew their memberships for the 2010-2011 season. As a member of the Four Shires, you will receive a membership card, a car sticker, an updated hunt card issued twice per season, advance notice of events and the ability to book Four Shires events prior to general availability, as well as a glass of port and a WARM WELCOME!  And members save £5 on every hound exercise and meet. Four Shires Annual Membership: Individual £30, Family £50..

Membership can be puchased online via the shop. Click here to go to the shop.

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.

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