Countryfile’s Ellie Harrison runs with the bloodhounds

Derbyshire’s Four Shires Bloodhounds gave BBC Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison a taste of the chase when she joined quarry Lee Mansfield at their meet on 21 November.

Countryfile filmed the meet at George Spencer’s Tudor House Farm, Kirk Langley, for an edition to be aired today (Sunday 5 December) at 6.30pm.

And kennel-huntsman Heidi Critchlow and hound Pedro both wore headcams to help viewers get a feel for the sport.

Ellie Harrison told H&H: “Getting chased by a pack of bloodhounds was a first for me and I found the experience exhilarating, terrifying and exhausting.

“The approaching sounds of the hounds baying, riders shouting, the horn and the ground thundering behind them are a very effective way to improve your fitness rapidly!”

Senior master Maggie Pearlstine said: “It’s an excellent opportunity for the public to see the marvellous houndwork that characterises bloodhounds.

“They work a natural human scent making this is a visually exciting country sport.”

This article was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound, 2 December 2010

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