‘Proudly showcasing their qualities’: first working harriers qualify for Crufts

(Image credit: Gary Scobell YuniiQ Images)

The Holcombe Hunt has become the first working harrier pack to compete in a Crufts qualifier — and earn their place at the final.

The pack “proudly showcased the many qualities and attributes of the harrier breed” in a Crufts qualifier show class at the Blackpool Canine Society Dog Show on 25 June.

“It was a marvellous weekend for the studbook harrier,” she said. ”We have only eight pure studbook packs remaining in the UK so it was a delight to showcase the quality of the breed and its versatile temperament in two totally different environments. Internationally renowned judges placed our entries at the top of their classes at Blackpool and the public gave a wonderful welcome at Bury Show.”

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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.

‘Proudly showcasing their qualities’: first working harriers qualify for Crufts

Harriers returned to the Crufts ring this year for the first time since 1898, but these are the first from a working pack to be shown in this way as a Kennel Club working breed.

The following day, the hunt produced a “fantastic” hound parade at the Bury Agricultural Show on Sunday, 26 June.

“Several thousand visitors flocked to the show to celebrate this country tradition and cheer their local pack in the parade finale,” the spokesman said.

Holcombe joint-master Sue Simmons said this was an important achievement.

CA director of the campaign for hunting Polly Portwin congratulated the Holcombe on their success.

“The Holcombe Hunt are rightly proud of their hounds’ success in the show ring this weekend,” she said. “Hunts have a wealth of knowledge and experience in breeding working hounds to the best of their type and it is wonderful to see this recognised in a public arena.

“In addition, hound parades up and down the country have long been cherished as a pinnacle of county and agricultural show displays throughout the summer and we are pleased to see the Holcombe Hunt delight the crowds at Bury Show once again.”

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