Four shires bloodhounds' meet at chatsworth 22 february 2009

The four shires bloodhounds met at chatsworth house, on 22 february 2009, by kind invitation of the duke and duchess and dowager of devonshire.  Regardless of where you sit on the hunting debate, you can read this report in the knowledge that bloodhounds hunt 'clean boot', tracking a person rather than an artificially laid scent (drag hunting).  Blood hounds have been bred to track humans so it's great to see them in their working environment. 

As chatsworth house is closed to the public in february, the hunt's vehicles were the only ones present in the car park by the house which made the occasion seem more personal and relaxed.  It's a great family event as children of all ages accompanied by parents enjoyed the start.  The hospitality was great with riders enjoying sliced fruitcake and stirrup cups kindly handed from trays by smartly dressed ladies.  Forget the class thing, there are very few places where you get such a great mix of people in one place - in fact the only thing they have in common is the love of hunting, horses and the countryside.




Dowager duchess of devonshire, president of the four shires bloodhounds, takes the opportunity to welcome some hunt members.




Bloodhounds were impeccably well behaved and much more athletic in the flesh than many photos and american films where they're hauled out of some prison camp.  It was suprising to see so many 'cur' dogs (non-hounds) with the followers but the hounds didn't seem to notice.




 

Ken Emary, the 'quarry' for the blood hounds - well equipped with map in hand it was his second outing.  Clearly he'd survived the first time.  He introduces himself to the hounds before the start of the meet and sets off on foot.  However, each time they meet a road he'll hop in a car to ensure the hounds take a breather and are controlled.





A few riders start to assemble before the hounds arrive.  Chatsworth house in the background.


 

The duchess of devonshire (left) and female huntsman heidi critchlow (right) with a hunt official in the background.



Naturally inquisitive, the hounds were keen on children - both parties seemed very happy to greet each other.



 

They're off - the small field of riders departed for the day's hunting.  The hounds' tails set like flags as they packed together for a day's work at the glorious chatworth estate.