0:00:34 > 0:00:36There have been horses and dogs
0:00:36 > 0:00:39in the British countryside for centuries.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41They're part of our living landscape.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45We've had both on this farm for as long as I can remember,
0:00:45 > 0:00:49and it's thought that man first domesticated the wolf
0:00:49 > 0:00:50around 15,000 years ago
0:00:50 > 0:00:54and have been working with horses for around 6,000 years.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56And on this farm in the Cotswolds,
0:00:56 > 0:00:59both of man's best friends work hand-in-hand.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Or should I say, paw in hoof.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09On this special programme, I'm on my farm exploring that unique bond.
0:01:09 > 0:01:14I'll be meeting horses, dogs and their owners who work the land
0:01:14 > 0:01:18and represent some of the oldest countryside traditions.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20We love our four-legged friends on Countryfile
0:01:20 > 0:01:23so I'll be looking back at some of their starring moments.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Come by, come by!
0:01:25 > 0:01:28'Matt's in charge of a world-class sheepdog...'
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Yay! What a good boy.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35'..Julia's trackside at a derby with a difference.'
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Now, the thoroughbreds should come in first, the Ferraris of the pack.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41The stragglers, the Morris Minors...
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Well, who knows where they'll be.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45'..and ever wondered what it feels like
0:01:45 > 0:01:48'to be hunted by a pack of bloodhounds?
0:01:48 > 0:01:50'Ellie felt the fear.'
0:01:50 > 0:01:54Oh, God. They're here, they're here. I can hear them. It's so scary.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58And I'll be showing how dogs and horses
0:01:58 > 0:01:59help me in my job as a farmer.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13First light on the farm.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17In the depths of winter, the animals are quiet, the farmyard is still.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22But not my dogs - they're always full of energy.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30This is my pack of dogs.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33I've got two house dogs here, and they're all so guard dogs -
0:02:33 > 0:02:35or supposed to be - and then two working collies,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38little Boo, here, who likes to fetch a ball.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41But the collies aren't interested in balls at all. Come on, then.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55I thought I'd introduce you to my dogs one by one.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57This is Boo. Stay there.
0:02:59 > 0:03:00Come on, then.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04She's a Hungarian wirehaired visla, and she's only nine months old.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06She's a puppy, really, and a family pet,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08and she's just a bundle of joy, aren't you?
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Go on, then. Hop over.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- She loves doing tricks. Hop over. Hop. - HE LAUGHS
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Go on, jump over. Go on, Boo, hop over. Hop over.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18HE LAUGHS
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Here, Maude, Maude. Here, Pearl.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28These are my two border collies, mother and daughter.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Old Maude here is about 15 and she's a lovely, loyal old working dog,
0:03:32 > 0:03:34but she's retired now because she's a bit deaf,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36and then this is Pearl, her daughter,
0:03:36 > 0:03:38and she works the sheep with me.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40You stay there, guys. Come on, Dolly.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Dolly. Good girl. There's a good girl. This is Dolly.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53You've had your moment, Boo. Go on, out of it.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55She's about seven years old.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57She is also a Hungarian wirehaired visla,
0:03:57 > 0:03:59but she never grew any wirehair.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03The children absolutely adore her. She's a gorgeous, very loyal dog.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06And lots of dogs are pets, but also plenty are bred for sport
0:04:06 > 0:04:10and a little while ago Matt and Julia were in Cumbria in Ennerdale,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12and they couldn't resist the temptation
0:04:12 > 0:04:14of seeing a very old and popular sport
0:04:14 > 0:04:16where there's a huge gathering of hounds.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17Come on, dogs.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21It's the start of the hound trailing season,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24which has been a popular sport here in the Cumbrian fells
0:04:24 > 0:04:26for over 200 years.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29Now, later on, Julia and I are going to be experiencing
0:04:29 > 0:04:31our first ever hound trailing race,
0:04:31 > 0:04:35but long before the dogs get here, it all starts with this.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40In the sport of hound trailing, dogs follow a scent
0:04:40 > 0:04:42over moorland fields and fells
0:04:42 > 0:04:44and the first to complete the course wins.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47I'm helping Maurice Bewley lay the trail.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50This is what it's all about then, this. This rag.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- Yes.- It smells incredible.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58- What is on there? - A paraffin and aniseed mixture.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- Why paraffin and aniseed, then? - Well, they lay better.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06Aniseed has a smell of fox, which was the original game.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Hound trailing originated here in the 18th-century
0:05:11 > 0:05:13from rivalry between foxhound packs.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Over time, these races became a sport,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19which was made official in 1906.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Its popularity spread into the Borders and Ireland,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25but its home is here in the Lakes and West Cumbria.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29The terrain, then, that they're going across -
0:05:29 > 0:05:31I mean, it's rocky, it's rubbly,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33there's walls to get over, fences to get over.
0:05:33 > 0:05:39Yeah, we do put guards on the fences so as to prevent injury.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42I can see a big smile on your face, Maurice.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44And I can see a big ditch full of water.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- How deep is that, by the way? - Oh, about four foot.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- Is it?- Yes.- OK. Here we go, then.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54Ooh, I've got a leg in it!
0:05:54 > 0:05:55Not too bad, though.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Right, Maurice - the coast is clear. Are you coming over?
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Uh, I think I'll go around the other way.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04MATT LAUGHS Is this...
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Oh, he's going for it. Good lad! Brilliant.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- Super. And straight on, then? - Straight on right through the gate.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17While Maurice continues laying the trail,
0:06:17 > 0:06:19I want to find a hound to back in today's race,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22seeing as this is a gambling sport.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26Local owner Glenis Farren is exercising one of the favourites.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- So, Glenis, this is Miss Molly, then? - That is Miss Molly.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- Bless her, and how old is she? - She's five.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- Right.- Fourth running year.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Trail hounds look similar to their foxhound ancestors,
0:06:40 > 0:06:42but are now a breed in their own right,
0:06:42 > 0:06:46bred for speed, endurance and tracking ability.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48And they have the most beautiful nature, don't they?
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- Absolutely lovely.- Aren't you gorgeous?- Absolutely lovely.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53You just want to cuddle, don't you? Hey?
0:06:53 > 0:06:56She says, "I don't know about all this running,
0:06:56 > 0:06:58"especially in this weather."
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- It's not very pleasant today, is it? - We'll stay and have a snuggle.
0:07:01 > 0:07:02Come on, darling. Let's keep walking.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Glenis and her husband, Raymond, have owned over 30 hounds
0:07:05 > 0:07:08and apparently their reward at the end of the race
0:07:08 > 0:07:12is a bit more elaborate than a few simple dog treats.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15So just talk me through what we've got in here, cos it looks like...
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- Well, just...- A very hearty meal. We've got pasta, cabbage...
0:07:18 > 0:07:23Good chicken. And this will go into a bucket, which we call the catch.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- So all trainers have their own, kind of...- Yes, yes.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Some people like to catch them with gingerbread, some people have...
0:07:29 > 0:07:31You know, they all have their own ideas.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33And do you find, then, on that final straight
0:07:33 > 0:07:35as they're running towards you at the finish line,
0:07:35 > 0:07:36you're all there with your buckets
0:07:36 > 0:07:38desperately going, "Chicken! Cabbage!"
0:07:38 > 0:07:42No, you just shout its name. No, shout the dog's name
0:07:42 > 0:07:45and they nearly all know exactly which one to go to.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Then they have a nice cup of tea.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- A lovely cup of tea. - This is unbelievable.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54- Yes, they all - all trail hounds - love their tea.- Right.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57We just, you know, make tea up as we go around through the day,
0:07:57 > 0:07:58take it with us to the trails.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01After they've had what's in the bucket,
0:08:01 > 0:08:03we add the tea in and it disappears.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08The racing empire is now moving on to the next generation,
0:08:08 > 0:08:12with granddaughter Georgia also getting involved.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Over at the course, the weather is good
0:08:15 > 0:08:18and it's all happening with competitors, spectators and bookmakers arriving.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21The excitement is building.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23Julia, are you all right?
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- This is Miss Molly.- Hello, Miss Molly.- There we are, my darling.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28We don't want to put her off too much because obviously she's...
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Is she all set to go?- She's focused. - All set to go, yes.- Right.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- Have you got money on Molly? - Of course.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- How much?- Just a pound. THEY LAUGH
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- That's it - they've gone. - How long does it take?- Ten miles.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52It's going to be about 30, 40 minutes.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- Ten miles?! - It's unbelievable, isn't it?
0:08:54 > 0:08:56They're going to be exhausted, those hounds.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59'So there's plenty of time for me to put a bet on.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01'I want to get some local tips for my little wager
0:09:01 > 0:09:04'and there seems to be a stand-out favourite.'
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Hello, gents. Who am I going to put a pound on?
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- On this one. Huntsman's Dazzler. - But everyone...
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Everyone's putting money on Huntsman's Dazzler.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13Yeah, it's 3 to 1 on.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- 8 to 5, Chardonnay. - You're putting money on Chardonnay?
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- Going to win?- Yeah.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19All right, that's what I'm going to do.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- Pound on Chardonnay, please. - Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:09:26 > 0:09:27As we lose sight of the dogs,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30the favourite, Huntsman's Dazzler, is leading.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Molly and Chardonnay are in hot pursuit.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36As soon as anybody sees them, shout them.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Don't be shy.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- Huntsman's Dazzler.- Got it, got it.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44He's steaming ahead. Is that Molly in third?
0:09:44 > 0:09:47He's got a good lead, though, Huntsman's Dazzler.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- Yes! Molly's going to have a place. - Where's Chardonnay?
0:09:50 > 0:09:51Come on, darling.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53Get on, love.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Any sign of Chardonnay?
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- Chardonnay's in second!- Ay!
0:09:59 > 0:10:00I should have bought an each-way bet. Damn!
0:10:02 > 0:10:03This is unbelievable.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06We're now actually racing each other.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Cos I'm in third and you're in second.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13'But I'm not laughing for long because Molly soon overtakes.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15'The race is really on for second place.'
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- Yes, Molly's second!- Oh... - Molly's second.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Catchers on your marks, behind the barrier. >
0:10:24 > 0:10:27That means get into position and shout, "Chicken, chicken, chicken."
0:10:27 > 0:10:28Is that what it does mean?
0:10:31 > 0:10:34'The favourite, Huntsman's Dazzler, is the clear winner,
0:10:34 > 0:10:36'coming in way ahead of the rest of the pack.'
0:10:36 > 0:10:38It's just extraordinary.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Good lad.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Do we clap? I don't know. I feel the need to. It's extraordinary.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48But our race is still on.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51Which hound is going to appear first in the battle for second place?
0:10:53 > 0:10:57Is that Molly? It's Molly! Come on, Molly!
0:10:57 > 0:11:01Hey, Moll, hey, Moll, hey, Moll!
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Come on, Molly! Here she comes.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08Oh, let's get in there with the chicken.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11What about that? That is brilliant. You must be delighted with that.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- Are you?- Definitely, yes.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- A fantastic result. Well done. - Super.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18When am I going to get a drink of Chardonnay?
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Well, I don't know,
0:11:20 > 0:11:22but I just got myself a quid so I'll buy you a hot dog.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26'Chardonnay crossed the line in third
0:11:26 > 0:11:29'and now it's time for those post-race rewards for Miss Molly.'
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Cup of tea and a bath. There you are, my darling.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39The last few dogs cross the line, but it's home time for Miss Molly.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42It's been a great introduction to hound trailing.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53I'm celebrating the amazing contribution
0:11:53 > 0:11:55that dogs and horses make to our countryside,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58so in honour of this special edition of Countryfile,
0:11:58 > 0:12:00my farm is being taken over by them.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- Paul, hi.- Hello, Adam.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- Isn't it lovely? What's his name?- It's Levi.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- And how old is he, then? - Well, Levi's five and he's a shire.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11He's a lovely, isn't he? Ready for a bit of work?
0:12:11 > 0:12:13- Yes, I'm sure he is. - Right, I'll watch you go on.- OK.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Levi's pulling a harrow, which rakes over the soil.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25It's a brilliant way of aerating grass and arable land
0:12:25 > 0:12:29and improving the quality of the ground.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31There's 1,600 acres on this farm
0:12:31 > 0:12:34so I'm always grateful for any extra help.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38And you'd be surprised what one man and a horse can achieve.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42And this job, the harrowing, is not ideal in these conditions?
0:12:42 > 0:12:45No, no. It's the sort of job you'd have done in the spring, really.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47PAUL CALLS TO LEVI
0:12:49 > 0:12:51And how many acres would one person
0:12:51 > 0:12:53be able to plough with a shire in a day?
0:12:53 > 0:12:55With a pair of horses, yeah,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58they'd be doing, oh, an acre a day
0:12:58 > 0:12:59walking 11 miles for that acre.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- Goodness me.- Yeah. - And in all conditions.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04I mean, there's a bit of snow on the ground today,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06but presumably when it's chucking it down with rain
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- you've just got to get wrapped up warm.- Yes, yeah.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Of course, the old boys in those days,
0:13:10 > 0:13:14they'd have a bit of sack on their shoulders and keep warm that way.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16The shire has changed a lot over the years, haven't they?
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Why did they go out of fashion?
0:13:18 > 0:13:20I think it was the Second World War, really.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22You know, the tractor came along
0:13:22 > 0:13:25and that was able to do all the work on the land, you know?
0:13:25 > 0:13:27There's nothing like a shire or a heavy horse
0:13:27 > 0:13:29working the fields, you know?
0:13:29 > 0:13:34They've got that immense power that just puts goosepimples up your neck.
0:13:46 > 0:13:47That really is a wonderful sight.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52It's so special, with man working in perfect harmony with the horse.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54And it's great that people like Paul
0:13:54 > 0:13:56are keeping this age-old tradition alive.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59It's so important. It's part of our living heritage.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06Strong, sturdy horses like Levi belong to the land,
0:14:06 > 0:14:08to a rural way of life.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11They'd look pretty out of place in the stables of Windsor,
0:14:11 > 0:14:13where Jules spent a grand day with the light cavalry.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Now, as you might expect with its royal connections,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Windsor Castle has a long and illustrious military pedigree.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Some of our most famous guards regiments
0:14:25 > 0:14:27have been based here for centuries
0:14:27 > 0:14:30and, of course, horse guards are based here just down the road,
0:14:30 > 0:14:34but this is Flemish Farm, right on the edge of Windsor Great Park
0:14:34 > 0:14:37and this is home to The Light Cavalry.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44The Light Cavalry aren't a fighting troop
0:14:44 > 0:14:47but a band of volunteers and equine enthusiasts
0:14:47 > 0:14:50dedicated to keeping alive the military skills of the past
0:14:50 > 0:14:54combined with a good slice of pomp and circumstance.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Now, you may well have seen The Light Cavalry
0:14:58 > 0:15:01at events like the Lord Mayor's show and the Royal Tournament.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04This is tent pegging. As you can see, it's not that easy.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08I'm going to be finding out just how hard it can be a little later on,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11but while we may associate today's military horses
0:15:11 > 0:15:15with ceremonial duties, of course, in the past it wasn't always like that.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Hi, Keith. I found you, hard at work on the tack room.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Nice to meet you. - Nice to see you, too.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Now, the display out there of the tent pegging is fantastic,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31but tell me a bit more about where those skills come from
0:15:31 > 0:15:33in terms of our military pedigree.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35What you saw outside -
0:15:35 > 0:15:38the tent pegging with sword and lances -
0:15:38 > 0:15:41comes out of the way the cavalry operated
0:15:41 > 0:15:44in the 18th and 19th centuries in the army.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47They were largely picked up by the British Army
0:15:47 > 0:15:50from their experience of meeting Indian cavalry units
0:15:50 > 0:15:53as the British were taking over India
0:15:53 > 0:15:59and they translated into not only an excellent exercise in skill at arms,
0:15:59 > 0:16:02which translates, I suppose you would think,
0:16:02 > 0:16:04of taking a modern rifleman on the rifle range,
0:16:04 > 0:16:08but also it became a competitive element between cavalry units.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10The better you were at tent pegging,
0:16:10 > 0:16:12the better you were likely to be on the battlefield.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22There's an indoor school for me to get to grips with the tent pegging technique,
0:16:22 > 0:16:24but thankfully I'm not alone -
0:16:24 > 0:16:28I've got expert tent pegger Paul Allison to help me.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31We swing the lance back the way it's just came,
0:16:31 > 0:16:33swinging it up, up in front of you,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35across the body, OK, to position five...
0:16:35 > 0:16:37So it's nice and clear of Bob.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Yeah, nice and clear, six. Back to the trail.
0:16:40 > 0:16:46- Because that's my big concern, is this waving around Bob here.- Yeah.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50I don't want to skewer him. I only want a peg, not a horse.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54Luckily for Bob, first up are some practice drills with a dummy lance.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56One...
0:16:56 > 0:16:58two, three...
0:16:59 > 0:17:00..four...
0:17:01 > 0:17:03..five, six.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04Oh, that was rubbish.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06THEY LAUGH
0:17:08 > 0:17:09Nice and low.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- OK, one, two, three, four... - Ah, no, I missed it.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Still drifting a little bit at the end,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- but that's not a problem. We can sort that out.- OK.- OK.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20You do make this look very easy, you know.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Eventually, Paul decides I'm ready
0:17:24 > 0:17:27for the real, rather sharp and pointy, lance.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Down on to your peg.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Four...
0:17:31 > 0:17:33And I missed it at walk.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35What hope have I got at a canter?
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Two, three...
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Well, I am getting nearer with each attempt.
0:17:46 > 0:17:47And then finally...
0:17:49 > 0:17:50..I got it.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55What do you think, Bob? A bowl of oats?
0:17:57 > 0:18:01Well, I may not be ready for a full tent pegging exhibition just yet,
0:18:01 > 0:18:03but Paul has a surprise in store.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Well, I thought my day here with The Light Cavalry was over, but no -
0:18:07 > 0:18:12look, I've been transformed into a Light Cavalry trooper.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14Even Bob's had a makeover
0:18:14 > 0:18:18and has been joined by a couple of chums for some pageantry practice.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30You know, I've done a lot of things on horses,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32but this has to be a first.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34And what horses.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36And what a uniform.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47As tonight's programme is a tribute to dogs and horses,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50I've got a special visitor on the farm.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55This is Levi and I've been hearing how good working shires like this
0:18:55 > 0:18:56are hard to find these days.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00And Paul, his owner, has just gone to fetch his workmate,
0:19:00 > 0:19:02but apparently he's not quite what you'd expect.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10Here he comes. My word, Levi.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12That's a bit of an embarrassment, isn't it?
0:19:22 > 0:19:25Hello, Paul. Goodness me.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28I was expecting you to have another shire. What's this all about?
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Well, this is... This is Dennis, the Shetland.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Lovely little Shetland, but why not another shire?
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Well, Shetlands are very strong little animals
0:19:36 > 0:19:40and they can get into places where the bigger horses can't.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42And a good working horse?
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Oh, yes. They were used in the pits
0:19:44 > 0:19:47and, of course, in Scotland for pulling the peat out from the bogs
0:19:47 > 0:19:49and taking it back to the farms.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- And presumably you don't necessarily work them together.- No, no.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54We've got another Shetland at home
0:19:54 > 0:19:57and we can actually work the pair of Shetlands together
0:19:57 > 0:20:00and they'll pull probably equally as much as one single shire.
0:20:00 > 0:20:01Incredible. Are they good mates?
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Oh, yes. Yeah, they'll have a look at each other in the field.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08I see he's got his own ready-made mini harrows.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13Oh, yes. Yeah. Home-made job, but he can pull that easily.
0:20:13 > 0:20:14Walk on, then.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19I've got to see these two fellas walking side-by-side,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22just for the sheer spectacle.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24I can tell they enjoy each other's company.
0:20:26 > 0:20:27Walk on.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Well, despite their size difference, they're both great working animals
0:20:34 > 0:20:38and Paul's so good with them, quiet and gentle,
0:20:38 > 0:20:40and they're obviously much loved.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55It's a long time since heavy horses had to plough the fields.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Tractors took over and agriculture never looked back.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05But one working animal remains at the heart of farming life.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09Like generations before me, I still use sheepdogs.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11We couldn't have a programme about horses and dogs
0:21:11 > 0:21:14without getting my working sheepdogs involved.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18This is Pearl and then Millie. Millie, behind. Here.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22This is Millie, who I share with my livestock manager, Mike.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25She works for both of us.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27HE WHISTLES
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Come by. Come by.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Steady, steady.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35I'm just rounding up these ewe lambs.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37These are this year's female lambs
0:21:37 > 0:21:39that we're keeping for breeding for next year
0:21:39 > 0:21:43and I'm working the dogs by using four commands, really.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45A right-hand command, which is "away",
0:21:45 > 0:21:48a left-hand command which is "by", and then a "stop" and a "walk on".
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Sounds simple, really, but I have to tell you
0:21:50 > 0:21:54that neither me nor my dogs are anywhere near good enough
0:21:54 > 0:21:56to enter into the World Sheepdog Championships.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59But that didn't stop Helen and Matt
0:21:59 > 0:22:03braving the rain at the championships in Cumbria two years ago.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Matt is very proud of his farming heritage,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09but so am I and I know that he likes to think of himself
0:22:09 > 0:22:11as a bit of a dab hand when it comes to handling sheep.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14I, however, have no experience handling sheep.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17That's why I'm calling on you, Mark.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19You are my guru for this
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Because I'm throwing down the gauntlet to Baker on my home turf,
0:22:22 > 0:22:24so I've got to win.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- We'll do our best.- Come on!
0:22:27 > 0:22:30I've enlisted the help of local farmer Mark Elliott.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Together with his trusty dog, Spot,
0:22:32 > 0:22:35he's one of this years hot favourites.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- So to get him to come over I say, "That'll do."- That'll do, Spot, yes.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40That'll do, Spot.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Be a bit more assertive. - That'll do, Spot!
0:22:42 > 0:22:45That'll do, Spot. Spot, That'll do.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- That'll do, Spot. That'll do, good lad.- That'll do, Spot.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- He's not really listening to me, is he?- No.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55'One word from me and Spot does just what he wants.'
0:22:55 > 0:22:57How do I get him to go right?
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- Now, the basic one is for the right-hand side it's "way".- Way.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- And for the left, it's "come by". - OK.
0:23:05 > 0:23:06Come by.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08That'll do.
0:23:08 > 0:23:09That'll do.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14Come by.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Come by.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- Sit.- Ask her for the way.
0:23:18 > 0:23:19Way.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22'Hmm. This could take some doing.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25'Luckily Mark's going to be right by my side for the showdown.'
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Lie down. Lie down.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- That's it. - HE CHUCKLES
0:23:31 > 0:23:32Spot, that'll do.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Right, let battle commence.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41May the best presenter win, and never mind the weather.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Come on, Spot. Here we go.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- How are you doing, Helen? All right? - I'm very good.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50So you're fully trained up then, I understand, yes?
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Yes. I'm good, well... I say that. You've had a lot of training, I hear.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Well, not with this dog, unfortunately.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Unfortunately, my dog, Meg, is no longer with me
0:23:57 > 0:24:01so I've borrowed Tim from a good friend of mine, Gus Dermody.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Not only have I borrowed his dog, I've borrowed his outfit as well,
0:24:04 > 0:24:06cos, as you can see, the weather's taken a turn for the worse.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10So Gus is the judge. You are literally in the judge's pocket.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Absolutely. Actually, Gus, can I borrow your crook as well?
0:24:13 > 0:24:15- Yes, yes. You can have that, yes. - I'm a fully kitted out now.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- Right, well, we're ready for this, aren't we, Mark?- Yes.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19And Spot is poised.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Will Spot listen to you, do you think?
0:24:22 > 0:24:23Cos I've got no idea about Tim.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28Apparently, Spot is not too familiar with the female voice,
0:24:28 > 0:24:30so Mark is going to walk with me and then echo what I say.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34- IN GRUFF VOICE:- You're just going to talk like that.- No problem.- OK.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36But there is a problem, because we'll be lucky
0:24:36 > 0:24:39if the dogs can hear anything we say over this weather.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42I'm hoping I've got a bit of beginner's luck.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- Away, away.- An expert in the field, Matt's first to take on the course.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- He's pretty wide round the pen, here.- Tim!
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- He's got to keep them flowing all the time.- Lie down.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57It sounds simple - get five sheep through a gate and into a pen,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00but these girls are stubborn customers.
0:25:00 > 0:25:01So he's got them through the obstacles,
0:25:01 > 0:25:03and now they need to head for the pen.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Lie down. Away. Lie down!
0:25:05 > 0:25:09- Yeah, he's got them in the pen. - Oh, well done.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13Yay! What a good boy. What a good lad.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Steady!
0:25:15 > 0:25:17'Oh, not a bad start for Helen and Spot.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- Oh, we've gone wrong. - That's not too bad.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- I hope they don't go round the wrong side.- Oh, he's keen, isn't he?
0:25:25 > 0:25:30- Come by you.- Good control there, keeping the sheep nice and calm.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- The pen, Helen.- Lie down.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34Go on. Get them in.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Lie down, now. Lie down.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- That's a very good pen. - That's a clean pen.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42He'll come to you now. That'll do, Spot.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- Well, I thought that was impressive. - Very.- Very good.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- I certainly was impressed. - My word, Helen.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50What are you doing on this field?
0:25:50 > 0:25:52You should be up there, man, competing.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Well, I think it's fair to say I had a very good teacher
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- who chipped in now and again.- OK.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01But, to be honest, we could have left Spot to his own devices.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03He was quite happy out there on his own. Good dog.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05He thoroughly enjoyed it. The sheep have too.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08Look, they're sticking around. They want to know who's won.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11- Gus, what's the result? - Really you were level pegging,
0:26:11 > 0:26:15but on a technicality you got it because Helen went and moved.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- You moved from the post from the pen when you set the dog off.- What?!
0:26:19 > 0:26:24- Yeah. Unfortunately for you, great for Matt.- That's a made-up rule!
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Congratulations.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Some world-class athletes there. The dogs, of course.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38I've given up all hope of trying to get my sheepdogs to that kind of standard,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41but I might have a better chance with my gun dog, Boo.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Come on then, Boo.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Gun dogs like Labradors and retrievers
0:26:45 > 0:26:47have different instincts to sheepdogs
0:26:47 > 0:26:49and therefore different skills.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Boo's less than a year old, so to help me unlock her potential
0:26:52 > 0:26:56I've invited trainer Annie Wales to the farm.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00She's also brought along her four-year-old Labrador, Brockweir Fleurie,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03to show me what a top-trained gun dog can do.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Now then, Boo - pay attention.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10Shall I show you how... What we call Hunt The Area,
0:27:10 > 0:27:11where we send them out to an area
0:27:11 > 0:27:14where we know there's been something.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16- And I've buried two tennis balls out there.- OK, great.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18So hopefully she may find them.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22Let me put mine on a lead otherwise she'll go and get them.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- Go by. - WHISTLE BLOWS
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Fleurie has no idea where the balls are hidden.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36WHISTLE BLOWS
0:27:38 > 0:27:43The whistle directs her to the right area and her nose does the rest.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47It's exactly how she'd pick up and retrieve game in the shooting field.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52What a good girl. Excellent. There you are, she's found it.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54What's with the tissue in your hand?
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Oh, this is just because she can see this more clearly
0:27:57 > 0:28:00than she can just see a hand. You know, if I'm all dressed in green
0:28:00 > 0:28:02and you've got green in the background...
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- Like a flag, so she can see it? - Yes, yes, that's right.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Well, that was absolutely brilliantly behaved.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11How long did it take you to get her to learn that?
0:28:11 > 0:28:14I suppose you start when they're about six months and you go along...
0:28:14 > 0:28:16She was probably about 18 months
0:28:16 > 0:28:18by the time she'd really, sort of, mastered it.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21- Good girl. Good little girl. - Well, that was a very impressive.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- Thank you very much.- How will I get Boo to that kind of standard,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28and where do I get started? I've done very little with her.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Right, well, first of all, what do you want to do with her?
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- What's your aim? - Well, I love her to do some work,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38you know, picking up or beating, and I really want her to be obedient
0:28:38 > 0:28:41and easy to handle for me and the family around the house
0:28:41 > 0:28:42and when we're out walking.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45So she's a pet and a working dog combined...
0:28:45 > 0:28:46- Yes.- ..which is ideal.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50OK, but really, before you start anything to do with retrieving,
0:28:50 > 0:28:54you need to get the basics in order.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56- The first of which is recall. - Calling them back?
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Yeah, calling them back, and the easiest way to do that
0:28:59 > 0:29:01is when you feed them. You put the food down,
0:29:01 > 0:29:02or even before you put the food down,
0:29:02 > 0:29:04blow the recall whistle, feed them.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07So they associate coming back with being, you know,
0:29:07 > 0:29:09- something really nice. - So that's recall. What else?
0:29:09 > 0:29:12- Steadiness. Want to try that now? - Yeah, I could do.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16- OK, set her up facing you. - Boo. Sit. Sit. Oh.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22Sit.
0:29:22 > 0:29:23Boo, sit.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Sit. I think I need to work on my sit.
0:29:28 > 0:29:29Sit.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- OK, now what?- Tap it. "Mark."
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- And throw it over your head.- Sit. - Say, "Mark."
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Stay.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42- Stay.- Now, then.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Leave her there and you walk backwards and pick it up.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Stay. Stay.
0:29:47 > 0:29:48Stay.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- Do you see that paw, Adam? She's practically on point.- Stay.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Oh, there we go. A very good first lesson.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59- Well, there you... - Boo, boo, boo! Here.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02I've obviously got quite a long way to go with little Boo, here,
0:30:02 > 0:30:04but she's done quite well for the first time, hasn't she?
0:30:04 > 0:30:07She's done very well indeed, yes. Good girl.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11- Right, you have that for a minute. - She's very excited by the dummy.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13Don't let her eat it, will you?
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Even a dog's natural hunting instinct is impressive
0:30:17 > 0:30:22but imagine being on the receiving end once it's trained and homed.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24HORN BLARES
0:30:24 > 0:30:28That keen sense of smell tracking you down and sniffing you out.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31Ellie's heart was racing when she became live quarry
0:30:31 > 0:30:33for a pack of blood hounds.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38This is the Clean Boot Hunt in Derbyshire.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41It's a sport that pits man against beast.
0:30:41 > 0:30:42Or should that be woman?
0:30:44 > 0:30:48The idea is to send a pack of bloodhounds to track and catch
0:30:48 > 0:30:51a human over a set course and today the bait is me,
0:30:51 > 0:30:56but, first things first, I have to let the bloodhounds catch my scent.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Lee Mansfield is well used to being a quarry
0:30:58 > 0:31:00and he's going to be running with me today as bait
0:31:00 > 0:31:03and that's not to be sniffed out.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05OK, hounds, get a whiff of me.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- So, Lee, how long do you need in here?- Just a few minutes.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10That's all we need, then they've got your scent.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13I've definitely got their scent, I'm telling you. Phew!
0:31:13 > 0:31:15'These guys should try smelling each other
0:31:15 > 0:31:17'because it's quite pungent in here
0:31:17 > 0:31:21'but apparently to them, girls smell stronger than boys.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23'I'm not taking this personally.'
0:31:27 > 0:31:29I think I'm ready for a run now.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36'I'm covered in drool, wet paw prints and now I smell like a hound.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39'Lee does this all the time for fun.'
0:31:40 > 0:31:42Lee, this is a bit of an odd hobby, isn't it,
0:31:42 > 0:31:44getting chased by a pack of hounds for fun?
0:31:44 > 0:31:49- It's a bit different, yeah. - Why do you do it?- For fitness really.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51I'm quite a keen runner and got into it through someone at work
0:31:51 > 0:31:54that came to the hunt to watch his wife ride the horses.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57- I got in through that.- What about normal running? Why won't that do?
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Well, there's a bit of a different edge.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02When you're getting chased your personal best seems to improve
0:32:02 > 0:32:03so you drive on a bit more.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Do you find your heart rate is up because you're being chased?
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Yeah, it does add to the adrenaline as well.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10What's it like getting caught by the hounds?
0:32:10 > 0:32:14- I've not been caught yet so I don't know.- You've never been caught?
0:32:14 > 0:32:16- No, not yet. - An unblemished record...- Yeah.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18- ..that I'm about to ruin for you. - Hopefully not.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23'Well, I can't delay this any longer. It's time for the off.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25'The quarry gets driven to the start point
0:32:25 > 0:32:29'and we get a 20-minute advantage. I really hope that's enough.'
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- Right, Lee, this is it now.- Yeah. - Yeah, I'm terrified.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39OK. Is that your pace?
0:32:39 > 0:32:41Oh my god, Lee, slow it down.
0:32:44 > 0:32:49- You all right?- Yeah.- We've got a good head start to start with.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55Oh my goodness, I'm going to need a rest.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58'20 minutes flies by, and back on the start line, the hunt is on.'
0:32:58 > 0:33:01HORN BLARES
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Psychologically, this is terrifying.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07The thought of horses and hounds thundering after you is really scary.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14I have huge admiration for Lee.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Being a quarry is tougher than cross-country running.
0:33:16 > 0:33:21Keeping up the pace and negotiating the course from memory is amazing.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25He has some tricks up his sleeve to slow the hounds down too.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28Obviously, if you do straight lines, that's what they're going to do.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- I see.- They can go a lot quicker.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33If you put some loops in, it's harder for them to scent.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35I've got a stitch. I'm walking.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51- You all right? - Yeah, I think I can hear them.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54'Bloodhounds are named after their fine bloodline
0:33:54 > 0:33:56'rather than their taste for it,
0:33:56 > 0:33:58'which is lucky for me because they're catching up.'
0:33:58 > 0:34:00- There they are.- No!
0:34:02 > 0:34:04They're over there.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10Absolutely killing me.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14'This is really tough. I don't think I'm going to make it to the end.'
0:34:16 > 0:34:18- They're coming close.- How close?
0:34:18 > 0:34:23- One field.- Oh god, they're here, they're here. I can hear them.- Yeah.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25So scary.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31Come on. You're doing well.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34- Here.- Come on.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44- All right?- No.
0:34:49 > 0:34:54- That's it, you've done one line. - I've done one line.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57'That was exhilarating, terrifying and exhausting,
0:34:57 > 0:34:59'but at last, with my lungs burning,
0:34:59 > 0:35:03'I've made it alive to the end of the first section.'
0:35:03 > 0:35:05The hounds are just coming now.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08That sound has been with me the whole way round.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13Terrifying my every move. There's the bugles and the shouting.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16The shouting that feels like you're a fugitive on the run.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Oh, Lee, look, he's not even out of breath.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24'The next bit of the hunt is a bit of a surprise.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27'Everyone stops for a nice glass of, um, port.'
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- Cheers.- Cheers.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34- What is it, a tradition? - A tradition, yes.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Just a glass of port.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Medicinal today.
0:35:39 > 0:35:44- In which case, I'll have to join you. - Cheers.- Good work.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47'Hmm, that warmed me up. Shame there isn't a cheeseboard though.'
0:35:51 > 0:35:53But there's no cheeky tipple for Lee.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55He's off again and I don't want to slow him down
0:35:55 > 0:35:57and ruin his chances of beating the hounds,
0:35:57 > 0:36:00so I've decided to meet him at the finish line.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03The course is split into sections called lines,
0:36:03 > 0:36:07so the hounds can travel safely down roads to the next field.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10The course changes every week and routes depend on grazing livestock
0:36:10 > 0:36:12and landowners' permission.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18This is the final finish line and Lee should be here any minute now
0:36:18 > 0:36:20which is just as well cos it's getting dark.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24'And after 12 miles of hard slog,
0:36:24 > 0:36:26'he finally arrives just ahead of the hounds,
0:36:26 > 0:36:30'his record of not being caught intact.'
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Give me this. Good work, and look, here they come.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37- That's so close.- Close, that one.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41Absolutely brilliant. What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50Back in the Cotswolds, it's time to feed my wild ponies.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55I wanted to show you the Exmoors
0:36:55 > 0:36:57but the donkeys are stealing the limelight.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59I'll see if I can call them over.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02Come on, Exmoors. Come on.
0:37:02 > 0:37:03Here they come.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08There's a good girl.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11The Exmoor is a really lovely breed.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13The ancestor of most British horses really.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16Very ancient and incredibly hardy.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18Lives on the moors of Exmoor
0:37:18 > 0:37:22and has this wonderful thick coat with a downy underneath
0:37:22 > 0:37:24and then guard hairs on the top.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28A very strong forehead so the rain runs off their eyes.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32Short, thick mane and a tail that fans out over their rump
0:37:32 > 0:37:36so they can turn their backs to the wind in the winter.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38A very long way removed
0:37:38 > 0:37:43from the fast, fine, athletic racehorses that we have today,
0:37:43 > 0:37:45but you serve your purpose, don't you?
0:37:45 > 0:37:48Lovely animals. I adore them. I've had them ever since I was a child.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55What happens when you combine racehorse speed with a terrain
0:37:55 > 0:37:57perhaps more suited to an Exmoor pony?
0:37:57 > 0:38:01Julia headed to the East Riding of Yorkshire a couple of years ago
0:38:01 > 0:38:04for one of the most exciting events in the racing calendar -
0:38:04 > 0:38:06the Kiplingcoates Derby.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14Ahh, you can sense the tranquillity in the air. Isn't it lovely?
0:38:14 > 0:38:17But I've got a feeling this peace and quiet is about to be broken.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22If you know where to look, there's a telling clue as to what
0:38:22 > 0:38:25really sets pulses racing around here.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Just once a year, there's an event held here
0:38:32 > 0:38:35which is steeped in history, tinged with eccentricity
0:38:35 > 0:38:37and runs to some rather quirky rules.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41A horse race to be observed
0:38:41 > 0:38:45and rid yearly on the third Thursday in March.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47These ancient rules are the foundations
0:38:47 > 0:38:49of the Kiplingcoates Derby.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Reputed to be England's oldest horse race,
0:38:52 > 0:38:54it's been run every year since 1519,
0:38:54 > 0:38:57when Henry VIII's gentry surveyed this landscape.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02Today, they're all getting ready
0:39:02 > 0:39:05to take up the challenge for the 493rd time.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09But it's not like your typical derby course.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12This pitted dirt track IS the racecourse.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18Veteran rider Stephen Crawford's going to show me the pitfalls.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23Stephen lives on the course and has ridden the race eight times,
0:39:23 > 0:39:25so he knows better than anyone what the riders this year
0:39:25 > 0:39:28are letting themselves in for,
0:39:28 > 0:39:32a potentially lethal mix of sticky mud and slippery tarmac.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38So this is pretty much the first danger point,
0:39:38 > 0:39:40because there's only one way across the crossroads
0:39:40 > 0:39:43and that's from this corner diagonally across.
0:39:43 > 0:39:44They'll be going at full pelt now.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Well, they'll be doing probably north of 30 miles an hour here,
0:39:47 > 0:39:49so you've got to get it angled right.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52You can now see the racecourse for quite a distance,
0:39:52 > 0:39:54you can see it stretching away in the distance there.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57- Mm.- At this point you've still only done a third of the race.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02The course stretches for a strenuous four miles across fields
0:40:02 > 0:40:03and farmland tracks.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08This is a tricky bit to navigate.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12This is probably the second most dangerous part on the course.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14You've done now two and a half miles,
0:40:14 > 0:40:17you've got a mile and a half to go, the horse is starting to tire.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23One foot wrong in there and you don't come out, horse or rider.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26And once you've made here then there's the hill.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29That's if you've got it in you, and the horse has got anything left.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Generally who takes the hill takes the race.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35Every horse that runneth for this prize shall put their stake
0:40:35 > 0:40:38into the clerk's hand at or before 11 of the clock.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42And to enter? Well, all you have to do is show up on the day
0:40:42 > 0:40:46and pay your stake of four gold coins.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Today that's four gold pounds.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51And at that price the field's open to anyone.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54Including IT manager Emma.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56So, Emma, you're a first-timer.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59This is my very first time doing the Kiplingcoates Derby, which is
0:40:59 > 0:41:02probably accounting for the terrible nerves I've got at the moment.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05- Oh, are you really nervous? - I'm very nervous.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07I know I'll be fine once I get on him
0:41:07 > 0:41:09and focus on what I'm doing in the race.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11Tell me a little bit about the horse.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Well, he's ten years old, he's an Irish thoroughbred.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16I've done a lot of hunting and team chasing on him, so he's good
0:41:16 > 0:41:19on all terrain, which is what he needs for this kind of race,
0:41:19 > 0:41:21because this is not Cheltenham.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Why, is the question. Why are you taking part?
0:41:23 > 0:41:27It was the history of the race that really captured my imagination.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31I'd love to win it, I'd love to be able to tell my grandchildren
0:41:31 > 0:41:33that I had a Derby winner.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- Let me have a look in your eyes. - Do I look like a winner?
0:41:36 > 0:41:39- Yeah, you look like a winner.- Great!
0:41:39 > 0:41:41'John, on the other hand, really is a winner.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45'He's won it for the last three years on the trot.'
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- Today, you're the man to beat. - Oh, OK.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52- But you've got a new horse on this outing.- Yes. Yeah, this is Bob.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- It's the first time Bob's been... - In the Kiplingcoates Derby, yeah.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59I've got to ask you, because you're a pretty extraordinary horseman.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03You hadn't sat on a horse before the age of...42, was it?
0:42:03 > 0:42:05I took up riding at the age of 42.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- But I've always been a horse racing fan.- That's incredible.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- Yeah, so I just got the bug. - You certainly did.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14As long as we get to the end and everybody is safe and well,
0:42:14 > 0:42:15that's the number one aim.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17- Is that the main priority for you? - Definitely.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20It's not the winning, even though you've won three times?
0:42:20 > 0:42:22If I won today and this horse was lame in the morning,
0:42:22 > 0:42:24I'd be gutted.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28- Well, good luck today.- Thank you very much indeed.- Thanks, John.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30The Kiplingcoates Derby has particular rules
0:42:30 > 0:42:32about the weight of the jockey.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37- Right, weigh-in time. So, now, what have you got to be?- Ten stone.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40I've been eating chocolate eclairs for three weeks.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42I tell you what, you're just about there.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45But the thing that makes this race special
0:42:45 > 0:42:48is the way the riders are brought up to weight.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52- Couple of potatoes, or...?- Yeah. - Potato lady. Brilliant.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57- Get the Maris Pipers in.- Look, one more for luck!- That's spot-on.
0:43:02 > 0:43:07Right. It's just past 11, which means the race is closed.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09These are our runners and riders. 12 of them.
0:43:12 > 0:43:13With the adrenaline rising,
0:43:13 > 0:43:16it's time to make the four-mile trek to the start line.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19Good luck, Bob.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21Now all we have to do is wait,
0:43:21 > 0:43:25tension mounting until the intrepid dozen reappear on the horizon.
0:43:31 > 0:43:32And they're off.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40The course hasn't changed much.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43It wouldn't look unfamiliar to the hunting gentlemen who started
0:43:43 > 0:43:47this tradition to test the fitness of their horses after a long winter.
0:43:47 > 0:43:50In today's race, though, it's our first-timer Emma,
0:43:50 > 0:43:53in pink, who's snatched an early lead.
0:43:53 > 0:43:57- What incidents of note have happened over the years?- You get injuries.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01Injuries to horses. Horses pull legs. The ground changes, it's uneven.
0:44:01 > 0:44:03You can pull a tendon and you can damage a joint.
0:44:03 > 0:44:07Occasionally a horse collapses through exhaustion or fatigue.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09There's so much excitement and so much adrenaline pulling
0:44:09 > 0:44:12that they fight to get across the crossroads and, you know,
0:44:12 > 0:44:16you're steering on marbles and you go down like a sack of spuds.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19One guy did it and broke two legs and one arm and his ribs.
0:44:19 > 0:44:21Never sat on a horse after that.
0:44:21 > 0:44:23As they head for the finish,
0:44:23 > 0:44:26the chasing field is bearing down on Emma.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30We're on standby, waiting. Will she be pipped to the post?
0:44:33 > 0:44:37Now, the thoroughbreds should come in first, the Ferraris of the pack.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39The stragglers, the Morris Minors,
0:44:39 > 0:44:41well, who knows where they'll be?
0:44:45 > 0:44:50- It's Emma. That's Emma! - WOMEN YELL
0:44:50 > 0:44:54'So close. But Emma will have to settle for second this year.'
0:44:54 > 0:44:56That's John, I think, in third.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01- Well, we haven't won this year.- No.
0:45:01 > 0:45:05He hasn't lost any ground down here, but he couldn't quite get to them.
0:45:05 > 0:45:07'Well, it's not four in a row for John.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10'This year's winner is local stable lass Sally Ireland.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13'After two previous attempts, it's a case of third time lucky.'
0:45:13 > 0:45:17- You were determined to win.- Yes! Yeah, I was, yeah.
0:45:17 > 0:45:19- I saw you and Emma were really battling it out.- Yeah.
0:45:19 > 0:45:23I actually didn't think it would be her who would be with me at the end,
0:45:23 > 0:45:25so all credit to her, she did really well!
0:45:25 > 0:45:28I heard this yell. You and Sally were first and second.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30I think you might have been in the lead.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33Well, I led all the way up to the last part of the green lane,
0:45:33 > 0:45:36and she came up on my inside.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38Hey, he ran a blinder.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42He led everybody round that course. I'm really pleased. I'll be back.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45Yes. I knew she had a fighting spirit, I could see it in her eyes.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47That's it.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50'The winner's name will join the very, very long list of those
0:45:50 > 0:45:53'who've triumphed here over the last five centuries.'
0:45:53 > 0:45:57Many congratulations, there you go, there is your trophy. Congrats.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00And there's your money too. Cheers, well done.
0:46:14 > 0:46:16This is a Countryfile with a difference,
0:46:16 > 0:46:20because tonight the stars of the show are horses and dogs.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23Dolly and I have come to a livery yard near my farm,
0:46:23 > 0:46:26where they have almost as many dogs as horses.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30I'm going to show you just how well they get along together.
0:46:30 > 0:46:32Hey, Dolly!
0:46:32 > 0:46:36A common sight round this neck of the woods are people out riding
0:46:36 > 0:46:39and walking their dogs at the same time.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41- Hi, Leslie.- Hi, Adam.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44You're always out riding with your dogs, taking them across the fields.
0:46:44 > 0:46:46Yes, I am. They just love it.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48As soon as they see the tack coming out,
0:46:48 > 0:46:51they know it's their exercise, they just love it.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55And do you have to train them to do that or do they just learn the way?
0:46:55 > 0:46:57I'd train them if I could take them on the road
0:46:57 > 0:46:59but nowadays we don't go on the road very often, because there are
0:46:59 > 0:47:02many more cars than there used to be, so basically we just go on
0:47:02 > 0:47:06the bridle paths or on people's land who very kindly let us go riding.
0:47:06 > 0:47:10Some people might think it's a bit stressful for the dog, or dangerous.
0:47:10 > 0:47:11Not at all.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14I mean, I actually, years ago, had an old dog that I couldn't stop.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16I used to shut him in a stable
0:47:16 > 0:47:19and he used to jump the stable door and come out and chase us.
0:47:19 > 0:47:21They love it, absolutely love it.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24And do you think the horses build up a bit of a relationship with them?
0:47:24 > 0:47:25They understand each other?
0:47:25 > 0:47:29I think they definitely...yes, and they wait for each other.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31You know, they're keen. When you're going out,
0:47:31 > 0:47:34the horses are aware the dogs are with us and we're off out riding.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36- Ready to go?- Yes, absolutely. - OK, let's get mounted.
0:47:46 > 0:47:48Right, we're off for a ride
0:47:48 > 0:47:51and we'll be picking up lots of four-legged friends along the way.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53But first we need to know what the weather's got in store
0:47:53 > 0:47:56for the week ahead, so here's the Countryfile forecast.
0:49:50 > 0:49:57.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18Tonight's Countryfile has been dedicated to horses and dogs,
0:50:18 > 0:50:22two loyal animals that bring their own special characters
0:50:22 > 0:50:23to the countryside.
0:50:23 > 0:50:27Local stable owner Leslie and I have got a few of our neighbours
0:50:27 > 0:50:31together, and their dogs, for a ride in the Cotswolds.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34We make quite a pack.
0:50:34 > 0:50:36Well, we've picked up a few extras.
0:50:36 > 0:50:39We've got William and Milly here with all their hounds.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42Look at all these dogs. Are you OK, you two?
0:50:42 > 0:50:44Yeah, very happy, but a bit chilly.
0:50:44 > 0:50:47There's something very special about this, isn't there?
0:50:47 > 0:50:49Yes, it's beautiful, isn't it?
0:50:49 > 0:50:51I mean, where else would you get to do this?
0:50:51 > 0:50:55- I know. The children, the dogs. - Yep, absolutely.- The countryside.
0:50:55 > 0:50:57Lovely way of life.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00I mean, for you, you're making a living and have all of this.
0:51:00 > 0:51:04- Absolutely.- Have we still got you?
0:51:04 > 0:51:05Dolly! Here!
0:51:07 > 0:51:10I reckon it's time for mince pies and a cup of tea, don't you?
0:51:10 > 0:51:13- Oh, sounds good to me! - Right, let's jump off here, shall we?
0:51:13 > 0:51:15'The cold is really biting,
0:51:15 > 0:51:19'so I'm not the only one ready for refreshment.'
0:51:19 > 0:51:23- What a good horse. - All right? Well done.
0:51:27 > 0:51:28Grab a mince pie, there.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33Well, these dogs and horses, and kids, are out in all weathers,
0:51:33 > 0:51:35and they absolutely love it.
0:51:35 > 0:51:38And it was about this time of year when Matt and Julia went to
0:51:38 > 0:51:43the snowy Cairngorms in Scotland, and that's husky territory.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47As is tradition on Countryfile, Baker and Bradbury were up for a bit
0:51:47 > 0:51:52of competition, and the conditions were ideal for dogsled racing.
0:51:52 > 0:51:55Before being let loose on the track, they'd got
0:51:55 > 0:51:58a lesson from the pros, including seasoned sled racer Hugh Wakker.
0:52:00 > 0:52:01I've seen you go, Hugh.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03If I'm to have any chance of beating Matt in a race,
0:52:03 > 0:52:05what do I need to know?
0:52:05 > 0:52:08Right, first thing is, just trust the dogs.
0:52:09 > 0:52:12Keep the lines tight, don't let you get any slack in the lines.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15Stay off... As long as you're happy that the dogs are in control
0:52:15 > 0:52:18and you're in control, stay off the brakes.
0:52:18 > 0:52:21- If you want to brake, just slow them down with that.- Right.
0:52:21 > 0:52:24- The doormat, as I call it.- Call it the doormat, whatever you want.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26And you kind of feather that, as you go?
0:52:26 > 0:52:29Yeah, and to stop dead you can use the big brake in front of you.
0:52:29 > 0:52:32- This pedal here? Just push?- Yeah. And that will stop you dead.
0:52:32 > 0:52:35If you do that too hard without slowing down first,
0:52:35 > 0:52:39it could send you over, a bit like a bike, over the handlebars.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42'To get the feel of the sled, Helen started me off with just two dogs.'
0:52:42 > 0:52:44- Let's go!- And we're off!
0:52:44 > 0:52:47Oh, I tell you what, they don't hang around!
0:52:48 > 0:52:52Good boys! And then the right and straight down the bank.
0:52:52 > 0:52:54Come on, lads!
0:52:54 > 0:52:56'My two are pretty keen to get going.'
0:52:59 > 0:53:01Whoo!
0:53:01 > 0:53:04Come on, hike! Hike! Hike!
0:53:04 > 0:53:07Come on, lads, come on!
0:53:07 > 0:53:09Dogsled racing's not an easy skill to master,
0:53:09 > 0:53:13so, having seen us in training, it's up to Hugh and Judy,
0:53:13 > 0:53:17in the yellow corner, and Matt and Helen, in the purple corner,
0:53:17 > 0:53:19to decide if we're good enough to race.
0:53:19 > 0:53:23- Right, what's happening? Have we decided?- Yes.- Ready?
0:53:23 > 0:53:26- Well, what do you think, Helen? - I don't know.
0:53:26 > 0:53:28- We think you did all right. - We did all right? Good.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31- Think you did pretty well.- Are we allowed to race with your dogs?
0:53:31 > 0:53:33- That's the question.- Ooh, ooh.- Yes.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36Yes, we are. Good, lovely!
0:53:36 > 0:53:39'In fact, Helen and Judy think we're good enough to race with
0:53:39 > 0:53:41'three of their fastest dogs,
0:53:41 > 0:53:44'but we're not going to tackle the entire four-mile track today.
0:53:44 > 0:53:48'We're racing each other against the clock over a short distance.'
0:53:48 > 0:53:51Three, two, one. Go!
0:53:51 > 0:53:53There we go, we're off, we're off!
0:53:53 > 0:53:56Wahey, I've pulled a wheelie! Oh, lovely stuff. Go on, girls!
0:53:56 > 0:53:58Hike, hike, hike!
0:53:58 > 0:54:01- If he stays on that, it'll be a miracle.- Really?
0:54:01 > 0:54:03Ooh, it's a bit rickety there. Straight through.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06Oh, they're kicking up some snow!
0:54:06 > 0:54:08Come on, girls, get up! Hike, hike, hike!
0:54:08 > 0:54:11Oh, I've taken a turn. Oh, I just caught a bit there.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13Hike, hike, hike!
0:54:13 > 0:54:18- "Hike, hike!" - Hike, hike! Hike, hike!
0:54:18 > 0:54:22'Approaching the final stretch, I'm looking for any advantage
0:54:22 > 0:54:26'I can get, bobbing down to make meself more aerodynamic.'
0:54:26 > 0:54:30Hike, hike! Come on! Go, go, go!
0:54:30 > 0:54:32And brakes are on.
0:54:32 > 0:54:34'1 minute 42 to beat.'
0:54:34 > 0:54:36Wow, I can't hardly see.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39- You've got tears in your eyes! - Oh, that is brilliant.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41It's literally a takeoff, to start with.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43It's a bit tricky on that left-hand side,
0:54:43 > 0:54:46you might sort of go up as the dogs try and go right.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49'Now it's my turn.'
0:54:49 > 0:54:51Are we going?
0:54:51 > 0:54:54Four, three,
0:54:54 > 0:54:57- two, one. Let's go.- Go!
0:54:57 > 0:55:01Hike! Hike, hike, hike, hike! Hike, hike, hike!
0:55:01 > 0:55:04'Poor dogs, I can't shut up.'
0:55:04 > 0:55:06It's a good start.
0:55:06 > 0:55:09I tell you what, she's in the groove as well.
0:55:09 > 0:55:11Hike, hike, hike! Come on, move!
0:55:11 > 0:55:16Go! Hike, hike, hike, hike, hike, hike! Whoa!
0:55:17 > 0:55:19- She's gone!- Whoa!
0:55:21 > 0:55:24I'm over! I'm over! Oi! Stop!
0:55:28 > 0:55:31- It's unbelievable. - I'm still going. I'm still going.
0:55:32 > 0:55:34- You know that turn into the snow? - The bit I... Yeah.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37- Bof!- Yeah, you've got half of it on your helmet.
0:55:37 > 0:55:38Hike, hike! Whoa!
0:55:38 > 0:55:41- Are you all right, though? - I'm absolutely fine.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43- No aches or pains? - No aches or pains.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46But I've lost something quite important. Not the race, the dogs.
0:55:46 > 0:55:50- You might want to take that as a souvenir.- Thank you. Might melt.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53DOG HOWLS
0:55:56 > 0:56:00Thankfully, this bunch of faithful friends stayed by our side,
0:56:00 > 0:56:03probably in the hope of something to eat.
0:56:03 > 0:56:07It's not much warmer than the Cairngorms in the Cotswolds today,
0:56:07 > 0:56:11so everybody's glad to warm up with a mince pie and a cuppa.
0:56:11 > 0:56:13Including the dogs.
0:56:13 > 0:56:17Well, thank you so much, Leslie, that was great fun.
0:56:17 > 0:56:20- It's a pleasure, Adam.- There we are, I've got some treats for the horses.
0:56:20 > 0:56:22And some for the dogs.
0:56:22 > 0:56:26And here we are, over here, William has got the Countryfile calendar.
0:56:26 > 0:56:29You can still get your hands on one, even though it's New Year.
0:56:29 > 0:56:32And details on how to get hold of them are on our website.
0:56:32 > 0:56:37- You hang onto that. Are you a bit cold?- Yeah.- Phwoar, me too.
0:56:37 > 0:56:40Well, that's it from the Cotswolds and our lovely four-legged friends.
0:56:40 > 0:56:42Next week we're in Hertfordshire,
0:56:42 > 0:56:45where we'll be finding out how the rural special constables
0:56:45 > 0:56:48are helping the police fight crime in the countryside.
0:56:48 > 0:56:52- Hope you can join us then. ALL:- Happy New Year!
0:57:12 > 0:57:16Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd